Soccer fans involved in a mass brawl at BAA Field on Saturday night could face a lifetime ban from all grounds on the Island.

That was the warning from Bermuda Football Association president Larry Mussenden who said the governing body would not tolerate incidents such as that which marred the Martonmere Cup match between Devonshire Colts and Somerset Trojans.

Police had to be called to BAA Field after fighting erupted behind the southern goal at half-time, spilling onto the pitch and lasting for several minutes.

As many as 100 fans were reported to have been involved.

After Police finally restored order, at least one spectator had to be taken to hospital by ambulance.

Mussenden was quick in his condemnation of the fans' behaviour.

"This executive will not tolerate any bad behaviour at football matches and if we identify them before they identify themselves to us, the association will consider giving them a lifetime ban," said Mussenden.

"The people that fought last night (Saturday) should be ashamed of themselves.

"They undermine the entire aims and objectives of the association and every effort will be made to identify these culprits to ensure that they are banned from our games.

"We are trying to promote a family environment and the game was going quite well until the fight broke out. The Police are investigating the circumstances and so is the BFA."

Last season there was a noticeable strong Police presence during soccer matches, but there appeared to be no officers on hand for Saturday's match, with security left to a few BFA personnel who were left helpless when the disturbance escalated.

However, Mussenden praised the Police for their quick response.

"The Police public support unit were on duty in the city area and they responded within minutes and I commend them for their swift response," he said.

Mussenden said the BFA's security committee had already had talks with the Police with regard to match coverage and other aspects.

"We have been in communication and co-operation with the Police and they are welcomed to all of our games. I can't speak specifically for last night, but again I can say that they responded within minutes of the incident," Mussenden said.

"I don't think that the football community has to have a Police presence at every football match because most people in the football family recognise that they aren't required.

"It's only occasionally that a fight breaks out and for that the Police are just a short time away."

Match report - Page 30