Bermuda felt an unwelcome taste of football hooliganism Saturday night when an unruly fight broke out among fans during Martonmere Cup play at BAA field in Hamilton.

Over 100 people were said to have become involved in the brawl which saw security personnel overwhelmed and at least one spectator rushed to hospital by ambulance.

Police spokesman Robin Simmons told The Royal Gazette the fight broke out at roughly 10.30 p.m..

He said an unknown group of men pounced on a male spectator and began beating him about the body.

The Royal Gazette understands that the man attacked - a former national team striker - had been trying to settle a disagreement when he was jumped by attackers some of whom were swinging helmets.

The ugly brawl broke out during half time of the game between rivals Devonshire Colts and Somerset Trojans at the southern end of the stands. It soon spilled over onto the playing field, however, and continued to rage until two Police vehicles arrived on the scene carrying Police Emergency Response Team (ERT) officers.

"At this time it is unclear what started the fight," Mr. Simmons said.

An emergency medical technician treated the man who was attacked at the scene before he was rushed to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital. The Royal Gazette understands he has since been released.

Bermuda Football Association President Larry Mussenden characterised the brawlers and "hooligans and thugs" yesterday and told The Royal Gazette every attempt will be made to identify them and ban them from attending all BFA matches.

Mr. Mussenden said there was no room for fan violence in football and that they game had been going very well before the violent melee.

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

Police are also appealing for witnesses, or anyone with information on the incident, to call 295-0011 or the Crime-Stoppers line, 1-800-623-8477.