Detroy Smith gets five year football ban (Update)

The Bermuda Football Association have banned St David's player Detroy Smith five years for spitting on referee Anthony Francis.

The BFA ban applies means he cannot participate in any of the organizations programmes during that time span. Smith was found guilty of spitting at referee Francis during the Friendship Trophy match at Wellington Oval on Boxing Day. 

St David's had previously issued a 10-game ban to Smith for the same offence.

Smith is also serving a three-year ban from cricket, which is set to expire on September 9, 2014.

The Disciplinary Committee, which is independent in its function from the BFA’s Executive Council found no place for this kind of behaviour in football.  BFA President Larry Mussenden said in a release: “Disciplinary Committee has sent a clear message to everyone that spitting at another person is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.  There is no excuse regardless of the circumstances that should bring a player or any person for that matter of fact to such action whether on or off the field.”

The Disciplinary Committee said: "Spitting is a serious offense in a civilized society, in particular, the sport of football that promotes fair play and respect for each other.  In this regard, everyone is reminded that there are rules and there are consequences for breaking the rules.  We have had no incidents of this kind for quite a long time and we trust this is a one off occurrence.  All players are reminded to respect the Laws of the Game and the fair play values that are exchanged at the beginning of each match between players and officials."