The Bermuda Football Association has told players they could face a life ban if they failed to steer clear of violence both on and off the field.

BFA president Larry Mussenden issued the stern warning following reports that a Somerset Trojan player was confronted at knifepoint by a player from an opposing team at the weekend.

The alleged incident occurred following a Trojans 4-1 victory against Ireland Rangers on Sunday.

Mr. Mussenden said the BFA has activated its Emergency Committee to deal with the matter.

"We remind all registered players that playing football under the BFA is not a right, it is a privilege. We will not hesitate to remove that privilege from any registered player for any conduct unbecoming a football player whether it relates to an on-the-field incident or an off-the-field-incident," Mr. Mussenden said.

"We will not hesitate to ban for life any registered player found guilty of violence off the field but in connection with football. Further, we will not hesitate to ban from all grounds any person found guilty of violence in connection with football."

The Royal Gazette reported on Tuesday that the alleged victim, a Trojan player, was grabbed from his motorcycle as he was leaving the football ground and threatened at knifepoint. The attacker was believed to be a Rangers player who was with a group of teammates.

The Emergency Committee, chaired by BFA vice-president Chris Furbert, along with two executive members, will examine reports related to the incident. They will also interview anyone involved in the incident and bring any disciplinary action if necessary.

"The BFA calls upon the clubs involved, the coaches and players, to submit reports to us so that we can deal with this matter immediately," Mr. Mussenden said.

"We also invite any other witness to contact the BFA office. We shall also encourage the player who was threatened to report the matter to the Bermuda Police Service for investigation. The BFA will co-operate fully with the Bermuda Police Service."

A Police spokesman said no reports had yet been made concerning the attack.

Mr. Mussenden added: "The BFA respects all people involved in football and we expect that all our participants respect each other. Nothing short of that respect will do."