HAMILTON, Bermuda, (CMC) – Former Bermuda captain Irving Romaine says he will appeal after being handed a nine-month ban for verbally abusing a Barbadian umpire. The Bermuda Cricket Board (BCB) suspension, announced on Friday, will see 39-year-old Romaine sidelined until July 31 next year for swearing at umpire Hector Watson during last weekend’s abandoned match between Bailey’s Bay and Willow Cut.

Romaine admitted committing the offence and is remorseful for his actions but feels his punishment is far too severe.

“I am appealing basically because I have played cricket all around the world and for Bailey’s Bay for 23 years and never once been written up,” he said.

“I am not saying I didn’t do anything wrong because I did and have owned up to it. But I think the ban is lengthy for someone going before the disciplinary committee for the first time.

“I apologise to the umpires, to the fans and my team-mates.”

Watson and fellow Barbadian Melvin Best halted the game because of the abuse which followed a row over a boundary.

Several Bailey’s Bay players showed dissent over the umpires’ decision to allow the boundary. The game was cut short with Willlow Cuts – who were at the centre of another abandonment two weeks earlier – on seven without loss in reply to Bailey’s Bay’s 240 all out.

The flashpoint came in the first over of Willows Cuts’ innings. A delivery from Kyle Hodsoll brushed batsman Chris Douglas’ pads and was fielded by Burton Outerbridge at long leg.

But square-leg umpire Watson advised his colleague that Burton’s leg was on the boundary rope when he gathered the ball and a four was eventually signalled.

As it stands the punishment will rule Romaine out of the entire Marylebone Cricket (MCC) tour of Bermuda, which started yesterday and runs until October 5, Bermuda’s tour to Dubai for the World Twenty20 Qualifiers in March, and most of the 2012 domestic season.