The Bermuda Football Association is continuing inquiries into allegations of racist abuse that led to the resignation of one of the Island’s top referees, it was revealed yesterday.

More than a month has passed since Martin Wyer quit after claiming that he was verbally and racially abused by sections of the crowd at the FA Cup quarter-final between Flanagan’s Onions and PHC Zebras at Goose Gosling Field.

During the heated match, which Onions won 2-0, the Englishman booked five players and sent off Robert Bean, the PHC assistant coach, who launched a prolonged outburst at the referee from the bench, although there was no inference that his invective was of a racist nature.

Wyer, who claimed it was the second time he had been racially abused at a local football match, decided enough was enough and informed the BFA that he would be resigning as a referee.

David Sabir, the BFA’s general secretary, confirmed yesterday that the investigation has yet to be completed. “As this matter is still ongoing, I can’t comment at this stage,” Sabir said.

The alleged incident that marred last month’s cup-tie was condemned by both PHC and the BFA’s Referees Committee.

“We are highly upset at this and are taking a firm stance on this because our referee numbers are down,” said Crenstant Williams, the head of the BFA’s referees committee. “To lose someone of Mr Wyer’s calibre doesn’t help the situation.”

PHC vowed to impose sanctions on any supporter found guilty of committing the “outrageous act”.

A club statement read: “If this certain individual is identified, the necessary disciplinary proceedings will be adopted as per our constitution. The PHC executive strongly condemn the abuse and racial slurs that were directed at Mr Martin Wyer.”