Bermuda Football Association insist the rise in gang-related violence at footbhall matches has become too much for them to handle and have called an urgent special congress meeting.

The BFA claim that the feuding between rival town and country gangs has spiralled out of control and fear that the violent outbreaks during match days are not just a serious threat to football, but the community at large.

However they do acknowledge that there are certain organisational deficiencies within the game that need to be addressed, and have promised to deal decisively with any player, official or club that is found to have participated in any violence.

Rival mobs turned Southampton Oval and the surrounding areas into a battleground after a PDL match last weekend between the home side and Boulevard, which saw a taxi carrying visiting players set upon by weapon-wielding thugs.

And while the BFA insist they cannot be blamed for the escalating attacks, they have vowed not to take an 'ostrich-like stance' and will be having a root and branch review of each club's security.

"The common mantra appears to be 'let the BFA or others deal with it', and that it is the clubs and/or the BFA's fault why these youth behave in the manner that they do'," read a press statement from the BFA's Executive Council.

"The events that occurred at the Southampton Rangers Sports Club remind us once again that this anti-social behavioural problem that is being manifested between and among rival groups and gangs is bigger than the BFA and our clubs can tackle alone.

"However we will not bury our heads in the sand and neglect our responsibilities to the sport and to those who should be the beneficiaries of our efforts.

"We will consider the deficiencies that exist within our clubs' organisational structure, including addressing whether we are collectively doing enough, and what additional measures need to be taken, to raise the standard of managerial oversight at all times, particularly, before, during and after football matches."

In an attempt to prevent and contain future violence, the BFA will hold talks with Sports Minister Glenn Blakeney and the Bermuda Police Service.

Earlier this week Minister Blakeney hit out at the Police for failing to deter last Saturday's disturbance.

He said he felt "let down" by the force following the attack on Blazers players by a mob at the Southampton Rangers ground.

Rangers' president Randy Raynor claimed Police had only offered to send a passing patrol car during the course of the match.

However, the Bermuda Police Service said the BFA had not flagged the game up as "high risk".

Southampton Rangers are playing at home again this weekend where they take on Devonshire Cougars, and the BFA confirmed that they have flagged up several Premier Division games to Police as ones which might see trouble occur.