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BFA launch probe into Rangers brawl

Injury sustained: Jomar Wilkinson, the Rangers coach, is treated on the side of the field (Photograph contributed)

The Bermuda Football Association is reviewing the “disturbing” circumstances that led to the Premier Division match at Somerset Cricket Club between hosts Somerset Trojans and Southampton Rangers being abandoned yesterday.Referee Tashun Simons halted proceedings in the 65th minute after an initial standoff between Rangers team-mates Keedai Astwood and Kamali Davis flared up as the latter was being substituted which then escalated with Rangers fans rushing onto the field to get involved, according to several eyewitnesses.Jomar Wilkinson, the Rangers coach, was also knocked unconscious by a blow to the head as he tried to break up the brawl and taken to hospital for treatment.In a statement, the BFA urged member clubs to “refrain from sinking to the levels of disregard for the game” and confirmed that the matter has been referred to the BFA’s Disciplinary Committee.The statement read: “The Bermuda Football Association is aware of the unfortunate and very disturbing events that led to the abandonment of the Premier Division match between Somerset Trojans and Southampton Rangers at the Somerset Cricket Club yesterday, March 1.“Reports from the BFA Referees and Match Commissioner will be submitted and we await additional reports from the participating clubs.“The matter will be referred to the BFA Disciplinary Committee for review and decision regarding those culpable for the incident as well as a ruling on the outcome of the match. No further comments regarding the outcome of the incident will be made at this time.“The BFA Executive Council wishes to remind all clubs, players, officials and fans that we must refrain from sinking to the levels of disregard for the game as was demonstrated during yesterday’s match. “We must respect the principles of fair play and team spirit which is the hallmark of our great sport.”The incident was sparked by a heated argument involving Davis about who would take a penalty that Rangers were awarded after Somerset handled in their area.The argument lasted close to ten minutes before Davis converted the penalty to put Rangers 1-0 ahead.According to eyewitnesses, Rangers fans were upset by Davis’s behaviour and demanded Wilkinson substitute the player, which he promptly acted upon.However, while Davis was making his way off the field he became involved with another argument with substitute Astwood.It is alleged that Davis aimed a punch towards Astwood which struck Wilkinson instead, rendering him unconscious.