Top referee Ronue Cann has resigned in protest over threatening remarks Devonshire Colts coach and Bermuda Football Association (BFA) treasurer Ray Jones is alleged to have made to him during and after yesterday's Premier Division match involving Dandy Town and Colts at St. John's Field.

An agitated Cann claimed that Jones verbally abused him during the match and after the final whistle had blown and crossed the line by threatening to use his authority as a BFA executive to have some form of action taken against the referee.

"During the match he (Jones) made comments that I am on the take. And then after the match when I extended my hand to Mr. Jones he said I was worthless out there and they (BFA) have me on tape from another match," Cann told The Royal Gazette.

"He (Jones) said he is going to see to it that I get suspended from refereeing. But he doesn't have to worry about doing that because I have officially resigned for the rest of the season."

Cann now intends to officially inform his Bermuda Referee Association (BRA) colleagues of his resignation today and confirmed last night that he has in fact documented Jones' alleged transgressions in his official match report, which could result in the latter being brought up on disciplinary charges.

"I want this matter dealt with within the rules and regulations of the laws of the game because Mr. Jones' comments were highly inappropriate," Cann added. "After the game he threatened me by saying he is going to see to it that I get suspended (by the BFA) and I don't take threats lightly.

"When you a have coach saying that a referee is on the take, meaning a team is paying you, that is very inappropriate. Mr. Jones is an executive of the BFA and as such he must set an example and conduct himself in a more orderly fashion."

According to Cann, yesterday's alleged incident wasn't the first of its kind this season involving Jones, who could not be reached for comment last night.

"This is not the first time he has done this sort of thing this season. During a Martonmere Cup match (between Colts and North Village) he (Jones) came onto the field and made unsportsmanlike comments to George (referee George O'Brien)," alleged Cann.

"Mr. Jones' behaviour was threatening and very inappropriate and you can rest assured my official resignation will be going in tomorrow (today) because nobody is going to threaten me like that.

"As a referee I am only going to call what I see and for a BFA executive and coach to make remarks like that is very inappropriate and certainly sends the wrong message."