The president of Bermuda Football Association (BFA) has warned troublemakers to keep their "social issues" away from soccer games after a fight broke out after yesterday's Cup Final.

Larry Mussenden told The Royal Gazette that the fracas at about 5 p.m. followed a "magnificent match" at Wellington Oval and was quickly quelled by Police.

"This incident marred what was a very nice day," he said last night. "I would like to remind people that the sports clubs are places where our communities come together to be able to celebrate sport, participate in sport and socialise.

"We share a laugh and have camaraderie and friendship. At our football clubs, everybody is welcome, no matter what part of the Island you come from — that's a golden rule."

He said people shouldn't bring social issues to games because "it's not the place and it's not welcome".

And he warned any footballers getting involved in violence to expect sanctions from the BFA.

"That's a long-standing rule. We have done that before and we won't shy away from it again."

Yesterday's fight happened as spectators and dignitaries — including Premier Paula Cox and several Cabinet Ministers — were leaving the ground after a trophy and medal presentation, according to Mr. Mussenden.

"Up to that point, everything was wonderful," he said. "We'd had a good two to three hours of incident-free football. There was some kind of scuffle in the lower bar area.

"We understand that there were some people there who had issues with one another — just two people and then possibly a third person who got in to try to settle it down.

"Police held up some of the traffic. I believe they calmed everything down and then the traffic was able to flow again and people were able to leave."

North Village beat Devonshire Cougars 4-2 on penalties but Mr. Mussenden stressed that the violence was not thought to be connected to team rivalry.

He said no one was injured and though the Premier's departure was slightly delayed, she was never in any danger.

"We assured her that the Police were dealing with the matter," said the lawyer and former Attorney General. "She was concerned that the matter itself would calm down and it wouldn't be a problem for anybody.

"There was never concern for her or her safety or any of the dignitaries at the match. There are several exits so we just directed them to leave from the other gates."

Mr. Mussenden said the "thrilling" Cup Final — which kicked off at 2 p.m. and went into extra time and penalties — was attended by between 700 to 1,000 people.

He thanked St. George's Cricket Club for hosting the game, as well as the Football Association, the players, the dignitaries and "most importantly, the spectators that came and braved the weather and had a good time and did act responsibly".

And he challenged those caught up in violence to let the BFA mediate.

"Violence is not the way," he said. "If they want somebody to listen to them, we in the Football Association are keen to listen to them.

"We'd be keen to facilitate. If one group has an issue with another group — come, let's talk.

"I challenge any group to be able to come and sit down at a table and be able to look each other in the eye and to talk."

A Bermuda Police Service spokesman said the fight involving a group of men spilt outside the gates at the St. George's ground.

"Police responded to the incident in numbers and took control of the incident," he said. "The perpetrators of the fracas made good their escape and a high Police presence was maintained until all patrons had dispersed."