punch-up at White Hill Field on Sunday between home side Somerset Eagles and Ireland Rangers.

And one prominent name is that of Ruffin Hill of Eagles, who is accused of violently brandishing a piece of wood at an opposing player.

Both Bermuda Football Association general secretary David Sabir and Bermuda Referees Association president Gregory Grimes yesterday expressed their dismay at Sunday's brawl which caused abandonment of the First Division game.

However, neither Sabir nor Grimes were prepared to comment specifically on the incident as reports from all three officials had not yet been returned.

"Obviously we are disappointed in the outcome of that match, obviously there have to be some circumstances why players took it upon themselves to engage in that type of behaviour,'' said Sabir.

"We thought that we had got the message out that the unsportsmanship and violent behaviour in soccer was not warranted and certainly would not be tolerated. We thought we had all this worked out with our clubs and our players as a result of the incidents last year.'' While The Royal Gazette learned that as many as seven players had been named in one of the officials' reports already submitted, Grimes said he could not elaborate.

"All I can say is that there were several players named. But the important thing is that nobody was hurt, no officials, players or fans. The matter will be dealt with accordingly,'' said Grimes.

Sunday's fracas was the first reported act of violence in soccer this season.

But it follows a turbulent 1998/99 season which left the BFA to handle a number of disciplinary hearings.

A disappointed Sabir let it be known that the BFA viewed Sunday's incident as serious and would be investigated immediately.

"No doubt it will be interesting to know, once we look at the match reports and certainly get comments from the club officials, just why all of this took place,'' said Sabir. "We are going to see that all of our normal disciplinary procedures are put into into place.

"We will also have to look at the outcome of the match in regards as to whether it will be replayed or not, but everything will hinge on what really happened.

"One thing I really would like to do is to take this opportunity to remind players and team officials that we have to keep the values and rules of the game at the front. If not, we are going to see these unnecessary acts of misconduct.

"We do not want this in our sport and and I can't over emphasise the fact that we are going to continue to strive to do our best to let the offenders know that the incidents are not going to be tolerated. We intend to stand firm on this.'' Meanwhile, the BRA said they had not received any official information about the incident that saw Lionel Cann of St. David's fire abuse in the face of official Anthony Mouchette outside the dressing room after Sunday's Premier Division game at Somerset against PHC.

The matter is of great significance as Cann is a current trainee referee.

Grimes, who was aware of the incident, said: "If it's reported then it will be dealt with by the BFA's disciplinary committee because he was a player at the time and was not acting as an official.'' Referee George O'Brien, who was standing between Mouchette and the player, refused to comment on the matter last night.