Speaking in a personal capacity, Mickey Convery, who is the referee's administrator in Derry said he was "100 per cent convinced that Barry Cassidy would walk away from the game" unless the 12-week suspension originally handed out by both the Derry Board and the Ulster Council is upheld.

The Derry official also rejected speculation that a compromise deal involving some sort of reduced punishment could be struck.

Convery made it clear that would not back, and neither had he ever advocated, referees in Derry taking strike action in support of Cassidy.

"It's not a question of feeling let down on a personal basis over this mess.

"As far as referees in Derry are concerned this is not an anti-Bradley issue. He is a nice lad and great football player. It would be great if Paddy could help Derry win something this season.

"But there is no denying that a can or worms has been opened up. Nobody knows what is going to happen next.

Convery said he was concerned at the wider implications of the case.

"The Ulster Council has already identified Barry Cassidy as an individual that they want to fast track.

"They have invested thousands of pounds in specialist training for Barry. He is a high-grade referee. It would be a terrible loss to the game if he jacked it all in because of this row.

"He has spoken to me about the case. To say that he is disillusioned is putting it mildly. Barry is fed up with all of it. My understanding from speaking to him is that if his judgement as a referee is overruled then he will pack up the game."

"The man who has to carry the heaviest pressure is Barry Cassidy. It's his judgement that is now been put to the test. To lose somebody like Barry Cassidy would be a disaster."