Ray Jones, the Devonshire Colts coach, puts the switching off of the lights down to a “miscommunication” with the field operators after the Expansion League Festive Competition finalists were left in the dark for Wednesday’s trophy presentation at Goose Gosling Field.

The lights were turned off about ten minutes after the game ended, just as the trophy and medals were being presented to the Colts and PHC players by Bermuda Football Association officials. The lights never did come back on, with officials told it would be 30 minutes before they could come back on because of a “cool-down” period.

Because of the darkness no photos of any real quality were taken to highlight the victory by Colts who also defeated champions Somerset Trojans in the semi-final on the weekend at the same venue. “It was unfortunate there was some miscommunication with the field operators, that’s the information I was given,” Jones said yesterday.

“Having operated lights before myself, once they were off I know they weren’t coming back on anytime soon as they have to cool down. I was told it was an error, which dampened the situation, but the team have moved on from it.”

The Bermuda Football Association, who rented the field for the final, are not commenting on the incident, though a long time Colts fan, Edith Beek, voiced her displeasure with the situation. “I thought it was very unprofessional of BAA, turning off the lights as the presentation was coming up, especially when the officials set up the table for the presentation,” said Beek, who says she has been a fan of Colts for at least 40 years and hasn’t missed a first team match this season.

“The lights were turned off as the teams were coming up to get their medals and I thought it was rude of them. I’m pretty sure they must have seen the officials set up the table to make the presentation.

“They didn’t even give people time to get out of the gate. I’ve been a fan of Devonshire Colts for at least 40 years, win, lose or draw and I would have said this for any team, even if it was a neutral game.

“I’m complaining about the way that it happened. At least they could have said something to the fans who were there.”