The Bermuda Football Association yesterday acted swiftly in response to Tuesday night's bloody riot at Somerset Cricket Club.

Fearing a follow-up to the fan violence which marred the First Division match between Somerset Trojans and Boulevard, the BFA postponed last night's Friendship and Shield matches at Devonshire Rec.

In what BFA general secretary David Sabir referred to as a safety measure, matches between St. George's and Prospect and Dandy Town and Vasco were postponed for a second time.

It is understood Tuesday night's incident, in which up to 150 spectators charged on to the field, was not football related, but occurred between rival gangs from Somerset and Pembroke.

A 30-year-old police constable was stabbed as he tried to break up the fighting, which continued after the match had ended as more people became involved.

It was feared that fighting would continue last night as gangs looked to settle the score, Sabir said.

"We, the BFA, have decided that in the best interest of safety to our spectators, players, officials, the club and their property that tonight's matches will be postponed until further notice,'' said Sabir last night.

"We just thought it would be a sensible decision being that last night was such a serious event. It just lends one to believe that something could transpire again this evening.'' The decision to postpone the matches last night came just hours after a BFA press conference in which officials condemned the violence, and a half hour before the scheduled 7.00 p.m. opener between St. George's and Prospect. By that time St. George's had already arrived at the ground, as had referee Lawrence DeShields and one of his assistants.

Those mingling around were talking about the incident the night before and its impact on the sport. "We would much rather keep harm out of everyone's way,'' said Sabir.

"If you look at the BFA constitution our aim is to promote football, so certainly a decision like this isn't promoting football but preserving football.'' The incident comes at a time when the corporate sector is beginning to show confidence again in the Association by financially supporting a six-year development programme.

While the BFA said they were "outraged'' and "appalled'' by Tuesday night's violence, president Neville Tyrrell insisted during the press conference yesterday, the problems at soccer matches are a reflection of community problems.

"Our intelligence tells us that venues such as a football match seem to be the scene these days for what can be termed gang activity,'' said the president.

"We do not believe it has anything to do with the playing of football at all.

It's something symptomatic of what's happening in the community.

He told the parents and families of those responsible for the violence: "Football is tired of being held responsible for Bermuda's troubled youths.

Take responsibility for your children.

"These thugs are your children, your neighbours, and friends. You are allowing them to destroy this country. And now they are trying to destroy football.'' "They are not wanted at our games. Nor do we want them in our programme.'' Tyrrell pleaded with law-abiding fans to help identify culprits, saying "if there are people who you know are involved in this, you need to help us in driving them out.'' The BFA must now make a decision today or tomorrow whether to go ahead with Friday's scheduled league games at BAA Field between Young Men's Social Club and Hamilton Parish and Hotels and Boulevard. Another night match is scheduled for Saturday at the same ground between Devonshire Colts and Devonshire Cougars.

Tyrrell said the BFA will be meeting with Police as well as officials at Somerset Cricket Club to get more details on the incident.

Boulevard won the match 2-1 to draw even with Vasco at the top of the First Division standings.

SOCCER VIOLENCE Recent incidents of soccer violence in Bermuda: April 1993: Yul Wade, then at Devonshire Colts, was banned for two years after being captured on video punching PHC coach Jack Castle during a post-match brawl in the Friendship Trophy.

December 1993: A group of unruly fans went on a rampage, stealing gate receipts from a parked car at Devonshire Rec. after the Dudley Eve Trophy first round match between Devonshire Colts and North Village was abandoned just before half-time because of a power failure.

November 1994: Dandy Town's Tory Durham was given a life ban after striking linesman Peter Sousa. Durham was sent off for abusive behaviour towards Sousa, but returned minutes later to attack the official.

October 1994: Commercial League player Winston (Bummy) Martin was handed a three-year ban for striking referee Gernot Wilkie, a punishment which angered the Bermuda Referees Association for its leniency.

October 1995: Dandy Town player Marvin Lewis was suspended after throwing a bottle onto the field during a match with Southampton Rangers at Southampton Oval.

November 1996: Yul Wade, playing for BAA, attacked referee Leroy Wilson while disputing a decision by the official in a Second Division game against Somerset at BAA Field.

November 1996: Referee Allan Pearmain was punched and kicked by players at the conclusion of a Second Division match between Somerset neighbours Trojans and Eagles at Somerset Cricket Club. Pearmain reported Eagles coach Kenny Thompson for allegedly inciting violence by issuing statements to the effect that he "wouldn't blame the players if I (Pearmain) was lynched at the end of the game.'' OUTRAGE -- Bermuda Football Association general secretary David Sabir (left) and president Neville Tyrrell yesterday condemned "thugs'' who took part in Tuesday night's riot.