Yesterday's report of a melee at a football match should be of concern not only to sports administrators but to the community generally.

While there is some dispute about the number of people involved, the major issue is the need to ensure that soccer grounds and other areas where large numbers of people come together are safe.

Bermuda Football Association president Larry Mussenden has set the right tone by warning that spectators who cause trouble will find themselves receiving lengthy bans from club grounds.

This is the only option open to the BFA short of banning fans from soccer grounds altogether for fixed periods of time.

The bottom line is that all spectators should be able to attend sporting events without fear of violence and people who violate that trust must be aware that they will pay the consequences.