Hamilton (Bermuda), Jan 17 (IANS/CMC): The Bermuda Football Association (BFA) has banned a 28-year-old midfielder Detroy Smith for five years for spitting at a referee during a Boxing Day match.

Smith of St David’s received the lengthy suspension for spitting at referee Anthony Francis during a Friendship Trophy semi-final against Somerset Trojans at Wellington Oval, St George's, Dec 26.

Smith, who has also had run-ins with the Bermuda Cricket Board (BCB), stunned spectators when he spat on the back of Francis’ shirt after receiving a second yellow card for dissent late in the game.

BFA president Larry Mussenden said Smith’s lengthy ban sent out a clear message that anti-social behaviour on the pitch would 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,” Mussenden told the Royal Gazette newspaper.

“Spitting is a serious offence in a civilised society -- in particular, the sport of football that promotes fair play and respect for each other."

Smith is not the first player to be banned for spitting at Francis.

In 2007, during a Dudley Eve match, Boulevard midfielder Melchisedec Gibbons spat at the referee after receiving a red card. Gibbons was banned for one year.