all-rounder Janeiro Tucker still faces disciplinary action.

But the talented Cup Match player insisted this week he was innocent of charges that he used profane language while addressing umpire Ronald O'Hara during a Western Counties Cup game at Southampton Oval early in September.

"The umpire said I cursed him off, and I say I didn't,'' said Tucker. "All I did was appeal in his face and he got offended and didn't like the way that I responded even though the player I appealed against was out. That was the way it happened.

"I think the charges are very unfair. I appealed to him because I had nobody else to appeal to. As of now I have no idea when any disciplinary meeting will be held.'' When Tucker was included in the national squad, questions were asked in some quarters about his eligibility, especially since swift action had earlier been taken in a disciplinary case against Clay Smith that led to the St. George's Cup Match skipper being suspended and consequently ruled out of the tour.

But Bermuda Cricket Board of Control president El James defended the Board's position at the time, and this week reiterated that Tucker's case was being dealt with by the Western Counties -- the Board being satisfied that they would handle the matter satisfactorily.

"I have said all along that it is in their hands and they have assured us that they will deal with it. And we will be seeking to find out just what the final outcome of the case is,'' said James.

"It's not unusual for us to have other clubs or associations deal with these matters as long as we are satisfied that the incidents are looked into within a reasonable period. St. George's and a few other clubs have dealt with cases in a similar manner and we hope that the Western Counties will do likewise.'' The president explained that the BCBC's main concern in cases such as Tucker's was to ensure that an avenue existed for letting offenders realise that what they did on the field of play was "inappropriate''.