An urgent plea has gone out for local referees not to withdraw their services when they meet at Police Club tonight to discuss last Saturday's attack on Perry Scott by a North Village Rams player.

The incident that saw the Class Two official taken to hospital after being struck in the face by Kacy Simons prompted tonight's Bermuda Referees' Association meeting where members will discuss the escalation in violence.

Only a month ago a bottle-throwing incident during a match at Devonshire Rec.

caused BRA president Lyndon Raynor to consider having his officials boycott the sport -- that incident having come on the heels of several others in a season that had barely got underway.

However, the serious nature of Saturday's attack on Scott has added fuel to referees' concerns and tonight's meeting is expected to see many officials vociferously demand that some sort of action be taken.

But Bermuda Football Association president Neville Tyrrell is concerned about the referees' reaction, fearing that emotions might take over and lead to a decision that would have a negative impact on the sport.

"It would be terribly unfair if the referees make a decision to boycott soccer because of the latest situation,'' said Tyrrell. "I haven't heard about anything like this being considered but if that's their only way of addressing the issue then they will have to do what they have to do.

"In fact, I have taken the initiative to actually talk with Mr. Raynor, pleading with him to exercise restraint in terms of what they do, stressing the importance for them to think about the game and jointly, with the BFA, look at the full picture. And he understands my disappointment that these things are continually happening.'' According to Tyrrell, Raynor admitted that he didn't know what position the BRA would take.

"Mr. Raynor said that he was very open about it, and I asked him if they would exercise some sound judgment in what they will do,'' added Tyrrell.

"It's okay to say we are going to have a boycott in reaction to what has taken place. But the game still has to go on, there is still tomorrow.'' A former player and referee, albeit in the junior leagues, Tyrrell said he felt a lot of sympathy for the referees and agreed under the current climate it was a tough job.

He said he realised it was extremely hard on refs when they were faced with threats and abuse on the field of play.

"I would again stress that this incident involving Mr. Scott is extremely serious, but I have asked the BRA to exercise some sound judgment in this one ... a withdrawal or boycott is something that I hope will not be their only option,'' he said.

"Mr. Raynor understands, he realises that people will become emotional about this but he wants to work with them and us to ensure that soccer is not affected in a negative way.'' On a weekend when violence hit the headlines, Tyrrell noted he was happy to see something positive at the start of the week -- referring to the big turnout and the positive display during Monday's Martonmere Cup final at Somerset.

"My faith in human nature really gets inspired on a daily basis. With all of the negativity going around about soccer one might have thought there wouldn't be many out on Monday. But I was pleasantly pleased and it was a well behaved crowd, an entertaining game without any incidents I know off ... I can't see any reason why we can't continue to have matches played like that.''