Bermuda?s refereeing chief believes certain football matches require security priority.

In this regard, president of the Bermuda Referees? Association (BRA) Richard Knight is calling on Bermuda Football Association (BFA) to take a more direct role in organising security at major clashes to stave off repeats of Sunday?s chaos at Bernard Park when a controversial, last-minute goal thwarted North Village?s victory quest.

?They (BFA) know there are these situations where teams are fighting to avoid relegation or for promotion and they know the seriousness of particular games.

?I think the BFA should have more of a presence at certain games. One little thing can cause a lot of controversy and tension and things get way out of hand,? said Knight, reacting to the fracas that followed Dandy Town striker Khano Smith?s header to secure a 2-2 draw with the defending league champions.

While match security is the home team?s responsibility, the top referee maintained some circumstances were above and beyond the relevant club?s resources and the BFA should take over or have greater involvement at these games.

?I think a lot of times the club officials are even afraid to react when it comes to situations like that (Sunday?s game) because maybe they feel they are in danger too. Clubs have to ensure ? not only for the protection of the referees but for the protection of players and fans as well ? that there?s adequate security.

?We have to start taking a much more serious approach to security because these incidents can happen so quickly.

?I don?t know how club management reacted yesterday (Sunday) but according to one of our members they could have done more.?

Knight said referees have continually complained about security and while some clubs have tried to maintain control at matches others are lapsing again. This, he noted, was another reason the BFA must reconsider their position.

As for what happened on Sunday, Knight expressed complete support for his colleague Stuart Crockwell who refereed the crucial fixture.

?I think Crockwell did the right thing by consulting with the linesman. In the end, it was his decision to make and unfortunately he didn?t please everybody.

?People have got to learn to accept the referee?s decision. I?m not saying all referees are perfect but in the best interest of the sport they should accept his decision and get on with the game.

?Sometimes it?s hard to swallow but you must accept it. Football doesn?t need any more negative stuff like this.?

Village ? languishing in mid-table ? badly needed a win to keep any hopes of a three-peat in the Premier Division alive and were 2-1 up when Smith went airborne in the penalty area to contest a high cross in stoppage time. He collided with Village goalie Zane Hendrickson, knocking him flat as the ball rocked the net.

Village protested in vain for a foul and hand ball but neither was given as Crockwell ? after conferring with linesman Wayne Campbell ? confirmed his original verdict by awarding the goal and thereafter blowing the final whistle.

Knight, who is awaiting copies of the officials? match reports, also supported another referee, Tony Mouchette?s decision last month to call off a fixture between Town and Somerset Eagles after half an hour.

Mouchette abandoned the St. John?s Road game because of a lack of official linesmen and an off-the-ball incident which he could not make a judgement on because he did not see it.

?I backed him 100 percent. I thought he did the right thing. We are short (of officials) and he didn?t have people (stand-in linesmen) who he thought were appropriate. He could have been put on the spot so it was a good decision he made,? reasoned the BRA president.

Knight said he expected Sunday?s incident as well as general security concerns to be discussed at the association?s special general meeting next Monday.