Refs: No More Southampton Oval Matches
The Bermuda Referees Association said they “will not official anymore matches at Southampton Oval until we can get assurances that security and the safety of our officials will be improved.”
The Association stated their “extreme displeasure” at the events that unfolded at the conclusion of the match between Southampton Rangers and Dandy Town at the Southampton Oval on Sunday [Feb.26].
A statement issued said, “The behaviour displayed by Southampton Rangers officials, players and fans was deplorable to put it lightly.
“Assaults on and threats made to match officials is being condemned worldwide by footballing associations, with harsh and quick punishments being meted out.
“Locally we suffer from low numbers and an unwillingness of people to take up the whistle. This is due in part to the abuse match officials receive.
“We the BRA feel that we must take a firm stance on such assaults/ behaviour towards our officials. To this end, we will not official anymore matches at Southampton Oval until we can get assurances that security and the safety of our officials will be improved.
“We await the timely completion of the disciplinary proceedings of the Bermuda FA. We are open to dialogue on these and other issues to the improvement of the game and maintaining the spirit of Fair Play.:
good call refs. clubs have a poor security setup that definitly needs attention ASAP .
YaRight!! the clubs will fix it 4 a week or 2, n then it would b right back 2 Madness as normal! I will never b attending another football match in Bermuda as long as i live! Its only a matter of time b4 sum1 gets “SHOT” at a game!!!!
Violence is killing the sport in Bermuda. I will never ever go to another soccer game here. It is not worth the risk. Someone will get shot or stabbed or cut at a game sometime and then everyone will wonder how it degenerated this far. In typical fashion, Bermuda will act when it is already too late.
What lunacy am I reading? This particular incident was incited by poor Southampton Rangers officials; in particular the coaching staff. How does that dictate that the venue as a whole should be boycotted? Why would the BRA institute a boycott before the disciplinary process is completed? Why is this incident impacting PHC home matches when the President clearly states it was due to the behavior of Southampton Rangers officials? Why would the BRA send out a press release before meeting with the BFA Safety and Security Committee? What dialogue has taken place between the BRA and clubs prior to this to be proactive in improving security? I will answer for you, none.
The BRA is being disingenuous and this is another “knee jerk” reaction that is typical in Bermuda
Everything that happens at Southampton Rangers is magnified by 1000. I swear the club gets picked on..yes it was wrong what occurred and no one is condoning it but MAN UP!! I swear this island promotes soft behavior..u got water thrown on Ref..u take a bath don’t u. UGH! Teams won’t play games at certain fields but are their clubs effected by it..whatever! The club should address the issue because they know what happened but also BRA tell the whole story! The officials were PITIFUL in that game, it didn’t span from 1 incident. I hope someone videotaped it so you all can watch and see the HORRIBLE display of ref’ing that occurred. The players and fans were frustrated!! Were their actions wrong..yes but things happen. Bermuda football as a whole needs a cleanup but this boycott is LAME. Thanks for allowing me to express my opinion, feel free to bash as per usual LOL
a professional approach needs to be taken. strict no nonsence approach. you will see an improvement. its a CLUB that should be protecting its future. so sad that all the clubs have the ability to enhance their communities but are intent on a carefree approach that leads to negative behaviour. most clubs have illegal activity taking place on THEIR grounds and turn a blind eye then when something happens they ATTEMPT to improve but not long term . children have to pass the negativity to get to their games, training etc . members of clubs are all to blame. clean up and sport will improve for the athlete and paying spectator!!!!
Bermuda Football is a “JOKE!!”
As usual, we skate over what actually happened.
This wasn’t an issue about security i.e. spectators and members of the public. This was about appalling behavior by the coaching staff and members of the a club: a matter directly under the Club’s (and ultimately the BFA’s) control.
The BRA’s comments were either misplaced or taken out of context. The only “security” which would address this incident would be to have personnel ON the field.
I wonder what the public reaction would be if the BFA actually used all of the powers it has to bring clubs into line including administratively.
Frank