the increasing tension and sense of hopelessness felt by many in the community, according to Bermuda Football Association (BFA) president Charles Marshall.

He and other BFA officials were yesterday still sifting through the aftermath of the latest act of soccer hooliganism that fortunately produced no casualties.

"It's worrying that people would do something like this for five dollars and jeopardise the lives of other human beings...I'm very disappointed,'' said Marshall.

"However, we in association football inherit the social ills of the country and don't see this stopping with football, it's a country issue.

A mob scene erupted after a power failure, prompted by trees in area wires, caused the abandoning and postponement of two Dudley Eve Trophy matches. This led to a quantity of gate receipts -- believed to be less than $1,000 -- being stolen from a parked car.

Gate-keepers were also threatened with violence by a group of nearly 100 people out of a total game crowd approaching 1,000, and even a strong police presence failed to aid the situation.

"It was a little scary and I had the sense that it could turn into something really bad,'' said Shelby Weldon, who was present on the gate during the early proceedings and received a harsh baptism as the newest member of the BFA financial committee.

"There was so much happening and a lot of commotion going on.

"The majority (of the crowd) were refrained and it was just an unruly few that were causing the real disturbance. All most of them wanted to know was how they'd be reimbursed and once it was announced they could re-use their tickets they understood.

"My main concern was for the guys taking the money back to the club and ensuring they didn't get hurt.'' Weldon was also surprised that the police decided to retreat from the area, a sentiment echoed by many in attendance.

An estimated 20 officers at one point came to the scene in an attempt to quell the crowd that had swelled to over 100 people. However, their removal coincided with the theft of funds by a member of the mob.

"I'm disappointed that the police did not take a more active role,'' continued Weldon. "As a taxpayer I think that it is their job, whether it's dangerous or not, to ensure that people's property and person are protected in that type of situation.'' Meanwhile, Gary Venning of the police media relations office explained that there were several contributing factors as to why his colleagues left the scene.

"There were two officers on regular patrol in the grounds and obviously when the hostility developed and people wanted money back two policemen were not in any position to deal with the crowd, particularly with it being dark...and they were not going to just wade into such a crowd.'' he said.

"Other officers were called, but in view of the situation with the (lack of) light it was little they could do.

"It seemed our presence was only inflaming matters and with them only wanting to get their money back the decision was made to pull out.'' Marshall admitted to being "flabbergasted'' and "taken aback'' by the entire situation.

Like Weldon, he said that he was particularly concerned about the physical and mental health of his men involved, noting how many went home visibly shaken by the entire affair.

He also lashed into the "so-called football fans'' that would perpetrate such acts of senseless violence upon persons who willingly volunteer their services to these events.

As to how this could have been prevented, Marshall pointed to the need to upgrade facilities, but funds were needed.

"We have been holding discussions with government about assistance with the clubs in upgrading the facilities, but until the country makes a decision to improve the infrastructure and continues to rely on the sale of alcohol we're never going to get anywhere. It will be a losing battle.'' Marshall hinted at the possibility of the effects of alcohol and drugs being contributing factors and said that incidents such as what occurred on Thursday night set bad examples for youngsters and take away from the game.

He noted an increase in the number of complaints from parents of small children, with regard to unsolicited drug and alcohol use at matches and the image the sport was promoting in the youth.

"We've embarked on an expensive long-term programme from the educational and social behaviour point of view and what happened hinders us in our development and it is very hurtful.

"We feel that we could be a catalyst for change in society and are in the process of coming out with a policy on drugs and alcohol within the realm of association football.

"But it's going to take a long time to bring out change where soccer is again the family sport...one which promotes a friendly atmosphere.'' The first-round matches have been rescheduled for Tuesday night at PHC Stadium. Devonshire Colts play North Village at 7 p.m. and Boulevard face Dandy Town at 9 p.m.

CHARLIE MARSHALL.