The on-field melee that tarnished Monday's Martonmere Cup final was just players' tempers flaring up - nothing more.

Bermuda Football Association (BFA) secretary David Sabir said yesterday that the incident - triggered by a clash between Devonshire Colts' goalie Cymande Davis and PHC's forward Raynel Lightbourne - could not be seen in the same light as the recent sporadic violence among fans at football matches.

"I wouldn't include the mini bit of aggression we saw near the end of yesterday's (Monday's) match in the same context as the violence that we have experienced off the pitch.

"The game was very intense and somewhat physical and there was a lot on the line. Both teams were chasing Cup history and obviously temperaments got a bit overheated," said Sabir.

"What happened on the field was nowhere near the extent of what we have experienced off it. Players just got a little bit heated. It was nothing more than what we have experienced for many, many years (in football) all over the world."

The clash in the dying stages of the final at Wellington Oval resulted in Lightbourne and Colts player McKonnen Hollis - both second-half substitutes - being sent off. Players from both benches, as well as fans, rushed towards the skirmish.

Police also went onto the field but order was restored before their might was necessary. Colts eventually prevailed 2-1.

Sabir decried the behaviour of those on the benches and supporters in joining in the fracas. That, plus the actions of the offending players, he noted, may come under further scrutiny following referee Lyndon Raynor's report to the BFA.

"Once the referee's report is submitted and gives the context in which he viewed the incident, we will certainly look at it and decide which course of action, if any, to take. We will also look at the substitute players and officials who left the benches to go towards the incident and to what extent they got involved.

"That was a disturbing point. It's totally unacceptable and our message to those individuals is that they have no role in these matters. We also urge spectators to leave the officiating and related matters to those who are charged with that responsibility and not to run onto the field. That can only add to the heated exchange."

On a positive note, Sabir said he was heartened that the match resumed and was concluded. He lauded the post-match goodwill of players and of MVP Davis, in particular, for apologising for the confrontation.

"I was very pleased to see, during the prize presentation, that all the players shook hands in the fashion of fair play. This was just an isolated incident and should be seen as such."