Two men injured during Sunday?s violent outburst at Wellington Oval blamed the incident on simmering rivalries between Island youths.

Wolda Gardner, 24, and Tarik Foster, 23, said they wouldn?t divulge why the dispute took place, saying it could hamper their cases once they reached the courts.

But they said rivalries between youths in Somerset and in other parts of the Island were largely to blame for the Sunday?s clash involving up to 40 people which led to the Friendship Trophy match being abandoned after just 19 minutes.

Both men, who were interviewed at Mr. Foster?s home in St. George?s, are considering pressing charges and are still meeting with Police.

Two days later, Mr. Foster was still visibly shaken and tired, taking several deep breaths as he recalled Sunday?s violent on-field scuffle.

He was stabbed in the stomach with an ice pick and almost lost an index finger as he attempted to deflect a blow from a swinging machete.

Close friends, Mr. Gardner and Mr. Foster now look upon each other as heroes.

Mr. Gardner helped carry the injured Mr. Foster off the pitch. He said people in the crowd shouted ?get out, get out? as they scampered to safety.

As they ran, Mr. Foster clutched his stomach and was coughing up blood.

The pair found refuge inside the club.

?(Wolda) got me to a safe area, he knew I was about to collapse,? Mr. Foster said. ?I went in the corner, trying to regain consciousness, just waiting for the ambulance to arrive.?

Mr. Gardner had troubles of his own ? with a stab wound just inches from his heart.

Mr. Gardner expressed gratitude to bystanders in the area who attempted to halt the bleeding by applying pressure to the gash in his chest.

Like most spectators at the pitch, Mr. Gardner said he was also shocked by the outbreak of violence.

?We were just sitting there enjoying our toddy watching the football like we do every Sunday,? he said.

And he doesn?t know if he?ll return to football matches ? at least anytime soon.