Somerset Trojans coach Danvers Seymour Jr has criticised the choice of officials for the First Division Shield semi-final after his side were the victims of a controversial decision during their penalty shoot-out loss to Robin Hood at PHC Field on Saturday night.

Seymour has questioned the decision of using inexperienced junior officials for some of the biggest matches in senior domestic football after the young officiating team missed a deliberate handball by a Robin Hood defender on the goal-line.

Controversy flared when Tre Manders blatantly handled opposing player Seon Tatem’s header during a goalmouth scramble in the first half. However, after consulting with his assistant, referee Isaiah O’Brien allowed play to continue, much to the dismay of the Trojans coach.

“That was a disappointing moment and there is not much more I can say about it,” Seymour told The Royal Gazette.

“I can easily moan and complain about it, but that won’t change anything. The Referees Association have to reflect on themselves.

“Was this game too big for those young officials? Will they take accountability? Will they issue a public apology? Will an apology change anything? How do they improve?

“Officiating is a difficult job and I respect and appreciate them. They will make mistakes, but how can we help them improve is the question?

“The disheartening part of the ordeal is that the assistant referee saw the offence and signalled it to the referee, who totally disregarded the assistant referee.

“That decision totally changes the game as it’s a penalty and a red card. It’s not the deciding factor, but totally changes the complexity of the match.

“That’s not the reason we lost and we make no excuses. We didn’t score. We had our chances and didn’t take them.”

The promotion contenders remained goalless after 120 minutes of football before Hood ultimately prevailed 4-1 in a penalty shoot-out, thanks to the heroics of goalkeeper Curtis Jackson, who made two crucial saves.

The result has dashed First Division leaders Trojans’s hopes of achieving the league and Shield double.

Hood will now face Somerset Eagles, who beat Wolves 3-1 in the remaining Shield semi-final, in the final at Wellington Oval on New Year’s Day.

The Royal Gazette has reached out to the Bermuda Football Association’s Referee Committee for comment and is awaiting a response