Vasco, claiming more dialogue is needed between clubs and Bermuda Football Association on the increase in soccer violence.

Boulevard president Lou Matthews said his committee had met last night and decided they would not show for this evening's match at Somerset.

In a prepared statement, Matthews said: "Following considerable discussion with players and management, the Boulevard Community Club has decided not to play tomorrow's Friendship semi-final match against Vasco.

"We are all aware of the problems concerning violence that continue to hinder football and the community at large.

"Sunday's games, arbitrarily cancelled by the BFA executive committee, caused hardships to teams, players and fans alike, yet made little inroads into the issues concerning violence in the sport. Serious reflection must be accompanied with initiatives and discussion if we are to improve the state of football in Bermuda.

"The time is ripe for such dialogue to take place. The Boulevard Community Club is renewed in its commitment to ensuring that the climate of football is improved in all possible aspects.'' The BFA cancelled all First Division games over the weekend, president Neville Tyrrell saying the "time-out'' would force all those involved with the sport to reflect on the seriousness of the problems currently tarnishing the game.

Their unprecedented action followed an FA Cup semi-final in which Boulevard player Haile Outerbridge hurled a bottle at referee Tony Mouchette after being sent off. Mouchette abandoned the match which Devonshire Colts were leading at the time 2-0.

The BFA have yet to rule on whether Colts should be granted passage through to the final, or whether the match should be replayed. Their disciplinary committee will meet to make its decision on Thursday night.

Meanwhile, it wasn't known last night whether this evening's Shield semi-final between St David's and Second Division champions PHC, which was due to precede the Friendship match, will still go ahead.