Martin for striking referee Gernot Wilkie, Bermuda Football Referees' Association have lodged an appeal.

Gregory Grimes, president of the BFRA, confirmed last night that the decision was made during a special meeting called on Monday specifically to discuss the matter.

"We were upset with this entire matter, especially since it came at a time when FIFA are making a genine effort to have all countries take steps to ensure that these sort of incidents are stamped out of the game,'' said Grimes.

"We discussed it on Monday and a decision was made to file an appeal. It was a very deliberate act and the penalty just didn't justify the actions,'' he added.

About eight years ago the BFRA took similar action when a First Division player received a four year suspension for striking First Class referee Rex Oxborne, but that appeal was turned down.

When asked if the BFRA were optimistic this time around, Grimes said: "We are extremely confident that they will rule favourably, in view of the fact that FIFA are determined to rid the sport of this type of nonsense.'' The hearing will be conducted by a committee appointed by the BFA's executives and will consist of honorary vice presidents.

Martin, a 41-year-old player with Devonshire Lions, was found guilty of assaulting Wilkie during a game against Park United at Shelly Bay on October 8. The game was abandoned after 35 minutes.

The BFA yesterday announced a number of changes to the junior soccer programme.

The Mini Minor B Division will be increased by three new teams -- Somerset CC Whites, BAA Knights and PHC Kids. Saturday's schedule has been revised as follows: SCC Blues v BAA Youth, Som. Primary, 10.00; SCC Whites v Hotels Blues, Som.

Primary, 11.15; PHC Blacks v Dandy Town Green, Purvis, 11.00; NVCC Whites v S.Rangers, Purvis, 11.15; D. Colts Whites v Wolves Black, V. Scott, 11.15; Boulevard Gold v Wolves Gold, V. Scott, 11.15; BAA Kids v St. George's Whites, East End, 11.15; PHC Kids v BAA Knights, Purvis, 9.00.

PHC have entered a second Bantam team which will play North Village at Bernard Park. In the Minor Division Hotels take on Dandy Town at St. John's instead of PHC.