Tonight's First Division game between Hotels and Boulevard at BAA Field will go ahead, say Bermuda Football Association.

There had been some doubt as to whether the fixture would be fulfilled after the BFA postponed Wednesday night's Friendship Trophy game between Vasco and Dandy Town in the wake of the scenes of crowd violence at Somerset Cricket Club the previous night which resulted in the stabbing of a Police officer.

But the BFA have decided the match should be played and contacted the media to tell them of the development late yesterday afternoon.

It was a decision which won the backing of officials at both clubs involved in tonight's match and the Island's referees' representative.

Andrew Starling, president of Hotels, said: "We tend to think we should not allow ourselves to be bullied into postponing games.

"But if the BFA had contacted us to say they were going to postpone we would go along with that.'' And Boulevard secretary Cymone Sims expressed surprise that there would be any thought of calling the game off. "I see no reason for the game not to go ahead unless it's because of the weather,'' she said.

Starling added: "Personally, I'm very sad about the incident but hopefully it's just a one-off event and not something which will be making an appearance at every football game.'' He said he did not think any extra security arrangements would make any difference.

Asked whether he felt Police should be present at matches in the short-term future, he responded: "I don't think it would work. It's been tried in the past but the Police have been reluctant to attend these games.'' Referee Stuart Crockwell, who earlier this week said he would be in favour of a Police presence at matches, said he had no fears for his officials following Tuesday night's violence.

"I don't think the recent incident was directed at the referees and consequently there is no concern among our ranks for their safety.

"The clubs have been very good this season in providing security for referees, having people in the general area outside our changing rooms at all times.

"They have adhered to the BFA's request that calls for the field operator identifying a home representative. With this working well, referees have been very comfortable entering grounds to officiate this season.'' He added: "I agreed wholeheartedly with the BFA in how they have handled the matter: they will get 100 percent support from our Association with regards to governing the matches.

"Up to this stage the demeanour of the fans has been fine. We know the great passion they have for the game and they tend to get verbal towards us at times -- and we can tolerate that. But if it comes down to physically abusing our officials then that's when we have to take a step.'' Leroy Wilson, one of two referees assaulted by players last year, takes charge of tonight's match in which Boulevard will go clear at the top if they can earn at least a point.

The Blazers, who went level on points with Vasco with their 2-1 victory against Somerset Trojans on Tuesday, have won four league games in a row.

Hotels have found life harder going, their problems up front being exemplified by a record showing just two wins and six goals from seven outings.