Keisha Hill, Staff Reporter

Referees in the Kingston and St. Andrew Football Association (KSAFA) referees group have withdrawn their services, forcing the postponement of this weekend's scheduled matches in the Kingston and St. Andrew Football Association (KASAFA)/Victoria Mutual Super, Major and Syd Bartlett leagues.

This decision was taken following an attack on referee Shane Harrison during last Saturday's Super League match between Elletson Flats and Constant Spring at the UWI Bowl.

Members of the KSAFA and the referees group met on Wednesday and yesterday, but the refs have still expressed an unwillingness to resume officiating.

According to a release from the referee's group, Harrison was struck on the left side of his face by an object that was thrown on to the playing field during the match. This resulted in lacerations to his left cheek and lips.

Suffered a concussion

Immediately after being struck Harrison suffered a concussion and had to be rushed to the UWI Hospital, where he was treated.

The release further stated that Harrison's conditioned worsened, forcing him to seek medical attention, which indicated that there was a maxillary fracture, resulting in immediate oral surgery.

Although citing a breach in security on the part of the host team, Stewart Stephenson, president of KSAFA, expressed concern on the negative impact such actions could have on football in Jamaica, including implications for participating clubs and sponsors of the competitions.

Full support for actions

"This is an act of hooliganism. An assault on our referees is an assault on KSAFA. We are in full support of the actions taken by the referees," Stephenson said.

Resumption of the league, he said, is expected shortly as another meeting is scheduled for today.

"The referees group will be meeting today when they will decide when they will resume their duties," Stephenson said.

Chairman of the Jamaica Football Federation Referees Committee, Peter Prendergast, said his committee is aware of the stance taken by the KSAFA referees group and is in full agreement with the action they have taken.

"The federation is concerned about the continued physical violence against our referees. We strongly condemn what is happening and are concerned about the effects it will have on the KSAFA leagues," Prendergast said. "We have sought dialogue with the KSAFA referees group and are awaiting the status of the upcoming negotiations."