Soccer thugs face identification and possible prosecution following the implementation of video surveillance at the Island's main football venues, The Royal Gazette has learned.

And the monitoring of fans, the most dramatic of a number of initiatives announced recently by the Bermuda Football Association in their attempt to stamp out growing violence at matches, is already under way, BFA president Neville Tyrrell confirmed yesterday.

However Tyrrell, who had previously refused to say when and how the action would be introduced, would still not be drawn on the form of the surveillance.

But he did say Police, who have already stepped up their presence at matches, were assisting.

Night matches were the major target, he said, but admitted that it was not yet possible to cover all the games.

"Because of restrictions in manpower and equipment we haven't reached the stage where we can have surveillance at all matches, '' he said.

The surveillance plan was just one of a number of measures proposed by the BFA in their crackdown on bad behaviour at matches. Those proposals, which also included bans on known troublemakers, police patrols, a ban on bottled drinks and extra security by club members, were given another airing at Monday night's semi-annual council meeting attended by more than 80 percent of affiliates. "It was just a case of cementing the clubs' commitment,'' said Tyrrell.

Meanwhile, Tyrrell has backed off claims that the football season could be brought to a premature conclusion if there was one more incident of violence at a game. The remarks were attributed to him before referee Irven Simmons was attacked by a spectator at the end of the game against St George's at Wellington Oval on Sunday.

But Tyrrell said: "I did not specifically say `The next incident' or anything like that. What I'm saying is, let's see how these proposals work. If these proposals are ineffective we may have to sit down and take another look at the situation.'' A temporary suspension of games at least remains a possibility, however, with referees due to discuss the latest attack at a meeting next Monday. Officials are believed to support the withdrawal of their services for up to a week.

Referees Association president Stuart Crockwell could not be reached yesterday.

OFFICIAL PROTEST -- Amid steps revealed yesterday to rid the sport of violence, Referees Association president Stuart Crockwell and other soccer officials will meet Monday to discuss Sunday's assault by a fan.