JASON FAYERS, the Edinburgh Academicals prop banned for four years, could face criminal proceedings following last month's stormy Tennents Scottish second division match between his club and Kelso.

Lothian and Borders police have confirmed they are investigating a complaint after an alleged incidently involving Fayers and Kelso front row rival Craig Halliday.

Halliday has since had two metal plates put in his jaw, while 22 year old Fayers, who was cited by Kelso officials on the strength of video evidence, cannot play rugby again until October 2000.

In announcing Fayers's massive suspension and a 12 month ban for Kelso hooker Brian Cassie sent off following an unrelated incident during the same game the Scottish Rugby Union declared war on the game's trouble makers.

"The sentences reflect both the nature of the offences and the SRU's determination to send the clearest of signals that foul play has no place in rugby union," they said in a statement.

Fayers joined Edinburgh Academicals from Edinburgh rivals Watsonians two years ago. He recently qualified as a veterinary surgeon.

Club president John Wright refused to comment, only confirming that the SRU had made him aware of Fayers's punishment before yesterday's official declaration.

Unlike Cassie, Fayers wasn't dismissed but Kelso officials took their own action after viewing Border Television footage of the Poynder Park clash, which visitors Edinburgh Academicals won.

Neither club is expected to appeal the rulings, although Kelso coaching director Charlie Stewart described Cassie's absence until October next year as a huge blow".

"Brian is our first team hooker so we will certainly miss him. But we've got to accept the decision and just get on with if," said Stewart, adding that Cassie had been sent off once before during his Kelso career.

Cassie, a joiner in the Roxburghshire town, has strong family connections with Kelso. His brother was a former first team regular.

Fayers's loss is a setback for the Edinburgh side who hope to return to the top flight after relegation from the first division last term.

The SRU are no strangers to taking a tough line against players who step out of line. Last season, they suspended junior club Murrayfield's Billy Blyth for five years when he punched Leith Academicals hooker Ian Jeffrey. Jeffrey required surgery.

This latest crackdown sends a clear, message to Scottish players who intend taking the law into their own hands.