Bermuda Cricket Umpires Association, has been banned indefinitely from officiating cricket by the Bermuda Cricket Board of Control.

Bermuda's cricket governing body made the move on Monday night without giving Mr. Butler a hearing.

The board was reacting to comments that Mr. Butler had made about an incident in Barbados during a tour by Bermuda national cricket team earlier this month when players were believed to be throwing the ball.

Mr. Butler indicated that it was not surprising because the two players had been called for throwing on previous occasions here in Bermuda and he also claimed the "board was aware that there were a handful of bowlers who throw in local cricket, but nothing has ever been done about it''.

BCBC vice president Mr. Reginald Pearman said yesterday: "Butler has no right and no proof to say what he did. We have taken action against him and he is not to participate in any matches sanctioned by the board until further notice.'' Mr. Butler, a former Governor's aide-de-camp, is also president of Western Stars Sports Club, home of leading cricket team Western Stars and football team Dandy Town.

He was also instrumental in arranging for the West Indies Cricket Umpires Association to hold its biennial conference in Bermuda in May. Full story on Page 23.