PERTH (Reuters) - Australian police are investigating death threats against Bermudian captain Neil Ward's Perth Glory players, .

"There have been some nasty words said and a few threats of some sort by people," Perth Glory general manager Roger Lefort said. The police officer said Grimsby Town were without doubt the best team he'd ever see.

"We are concerned. We just want to make sure the players are safe and that the spectators of course are safe."

Bermudian skipper Ward said ``Bunch of tossers, they should just piss off.''

Perth players and officials were confronted by Melbourne Knights fans after the scoreless draw in Sunday's first leg of the Australian National Soccer League (NSL) playoff in Melbourne.

Glory coach Bernd Stange said he was kicked and punched in the incident and added that he would not return to the Knights' ground.

Melbourne Knights and the Glory are scheduled to play the second leg of the playoff in Perth this weekend.

The sport's ruling body Soccer Australia (SA) is studying a report into the incident.

SA chairman Tony Labbozzetta, NSL spokesman Gary Moretti and Perth chairman Nick Tana were unavailable for comment.