The so-called English disease of soccer hooliganism is spreading to Bermuda.

The latest episode of local fan hooliganism reared its ugly head at a Martonmere Cup match on Saturday night featuring Somerset and North Village, with Police and an ambulance having to be dispatched to a disturbance that threatened to explode into a mini riot at BAA field.

At least five male spectators were seen to attack Somerset assistant coach Gary (Tuba) Mallory and midfield player Paul Maybury in a move of redemption.

Mallory reportedly was offered but refused to be taken by ambulance to the hospital after suffering a blow to the midsection, while Maybury was unscathed.

Fuelling the outbreak was an on-field incident involving Maybury, who literally knocked rival North Village midfielder Vernon Tankard unconscious with what boxing generally terms a `right cross'.

Soccer violence flares This after Tankard had taken exception to a challenge for possession of the ball and kicked out at Maybury.

Both players were ejected from the pitch by referee Cal Simons, although they took vastly different routes.

While Tankard was transported away via St. John's Ambulance for medical treatment to a suspected broken jaw, Maybury strolled off in the direction of the dressing rooms on the eastern side accompanied by Mallory.

And it was during their passage to the area of the gym that they were accosted by the vengeful group.

A large crowd gathered at the scene, while Bermuda Football Association officials alerted police, and it was only the intervention of the men in blue, arriving in two jeeps, that prevented the affair escalating even further.

Match officials, once again thrown into a negative situation, huddled together in debate as to whether the match should continue, with the decision made to complete the game, but not until after a more than 20 minute delay, during which time many in the crowd elected for more tranquil pastures and left.

See Sport, Page 25 CRIME CRM