among the measures proposed by leading sports figures yesterday as Bermuda reeled from its worst night of soccer violence in recent times.

Sports minister Tim Smith said he would back any move by the Bermuda Football Association to divert funds to the installation of cameras at major stadiums -- as recommended by the Sharpe Commission, which was set up in the wake of the so-called Miami Seven affair three years ago.

He was also in favour of club officials taking a more active role in security and policing of the grounds.

"We don't determine their (the BFA's) priorities and a number of the Commission's recommendations were adopted,'' he said. "But if they were to come to us and say they wanted to switch funds into a different area, they would have our full support.'' Smith said he was against uniformed officers being brought into police matches, fearing their presence could be seen as intimidation.

But president of the Bermuda Referees Association Stuart Crockwell, an Inspector in the Central Division himself, said he would back moves to have games policed.

"I think that's a great idea. Speaking for my members as well, I think they would be happy to see that. Obviously you'd have to look at the financial aspects but I think a minimum of three officers from forces local to the individual grounds would be best.

"Although there's been no violence directed at referees so far this season there's still a lot of football to be played.'' Such ideas are set to be discussed in the coming days as the Bermuda Football Association seeks the best way forward.

"What we believe we have to do in the future is talk to the various entitiies, certainly the clubs themselves to see that they support us in driving this activity from their grounds,'' said BFA president Neville Tyrrell. "We also need to talk to players and coaches to make sure they are not encouraging it.'' But the implementation of any such measures would require "money, manpower and co-operation,'' he said, which could force a hike in admission prices, currently set at $3.

"I'd like to think that any extra cost could be used for facilities rather than crowd control. But I think an increase in admission is a very strong possibility and something we'd have to look at.'' He confirmed that BFA officials would be meeting with senior Police officers soon. "We need to get ideas from them on how best to solve this problem. It cannot be left to the clubs and the affiliates alone.

"It is something that every man, woman and child who loves the game of football has to take an interest in.''