Hoodlums and troublemakers are being warned to stay away from football games as the Bermuda Football Association (BFA) along with Police, take safety and security to the extreme.

It comes after around 20 blade-wielding youths attempted to storm a football match at the Devonshire Recreation Club recently, resulting in its abandonment.

Carlton Adams, Assistant Commissioner of Police, revealed that officers will be out in force for this Sunday's Martonmere Cup Final at Somerset Cricket Club.

Sources have told The Royal Gazette possible gang retaliation stemming from the Devonshire Rec incident is the reason why officials are on high alert for Sunday's match.

Mr. Adams stressed: "We are not going to tolerate misbehaviour. We will be in Somerset and not just at the game.

"We will be wherever we need to be to deal with any of you who decide that you're going to spoil what should otherwise be a good day."

In it, Devonshire Cougars will square off against PHC Zebras. However, Mr. Adams declined to give rationale for the high Police visibility, during yesterday's news conference, other than general security.

He explained: "A lot of what dictates how the personnel are deployed has to do with which teams are playing.

"It's no reflection on the teams themselves, but some of the fans for some of the teams have issues — and whenever they come together it causes problems.

"The BFA has arranged for the hire of six constables and two sergeants to perform extra duty assignments within club grounds to address any likely unruly behaviour inside the grounds."

BFA safety and security chairman Troy Bremar said clubs around the Island have already been supplied with two-way radios, metal detectors, PA systems and "security" vests to assist with their overall safety and security.

Mr. Bremar stated: "We, in conjunction with Police, have decided enough is enough and that we will no longer continue to allow our sport to be victimised by the actions of a minority of young people.

"These people's focus appears to be centred around engaging in violent behaviour.

"We are continuing our dialogue and working relationship with the Bermuda Police Service to institute measures aimed at enforcing the point that football is a sport to be enjoyed."

New game day regulations that spectators are asked to abide by will be posted around the entrances to each football field in Bermuda.

And failure to adhere to the regulations may result in removal from club premises and/or prosecution.

They are:

¦ Spectators are prohibited from throwing any object onto the field or beyond the spectator barriers;

¦ No unauthorised entry onto the playing area; no foul or abusive language allowed;

¦ No attempts to enter club premises while intoxicated or with beverages in bottles, coolers;

¦ A ban on carrying or brandishing, using dangerous and offensive weapons;

¦ No use of illegal drugs; and

¦ No displays of violent conduct on club premises.

In addition, those that violate these rules will not only be banned from the club they committed the acts, but from all clubs throughout the Island, Mr. Bremmar clarified.

"All we ask is for you to respect our principles of fair play by staying away from football games if you perceive that there will be problems between yourselves and others," he pleaded.

He also revealed that officers will have the assistance of drug-sniffing dogs during Sunday's match and future BFA matches, to assist with the detection of illegal narcotics.