Football thugs who cause trouble at matches are running the risk of being banned from all grounds on the Island, the Bermuda Football Association (BFA) has warned.

Despite the BFA splashing out $300,000 to improve safety and security at grounds this season anti-social behaviour has continued, resulting in three First Division fixtures, all involving Paget Lions, being abandoned.

The latest occurred at the weekend during a match between St. David's and Lions at Lords when Paget fans and players were involved in a skirmish.

Although BFA president Larry Mussenden would not comment specifically on Paget, he warned that acts of violence would not be tolerated and said identified offenders would face bans.

"The BFA and local clubs are of the view that any fans persistently offending should be banned from all football grounds," he said. "Rest assured the BFA would not shy away from banning fans from matches. There are practical considerations on how to enforce that and they will have to be addressed."

Even if no police action was taken against a troublemaker Mussenden said the BFA could still enforce a ban.

Widespread changes have been introduced by the BFA to increase match-day organisation and attract families to football fixtures.

BFA executives, club officials and police held a pre-season seminar to discuss new mandatory measures, including stewards, security wands to detect illegal weapons, greater police presence, first-aid equipment, two-way radios, a ticketing machine and VIP passes for players' guests.

All clubs were also provided with a safety and security package, while a review of each Premier Division ground was carried out to report on the standard of fencing, vulnerable areas, and lighting and CCTV possibilities.

Each fixture is now also assessed by the BFA to determine whether it qualifies as "high-risk". If so a greater steward and police presence is granted to ward against potential violence.

But gang violence has continued to rear its ugly head this season with fans launching objects onto the pitch during a match between Paget and YMSC last month, while blade-wielding yobs stormed Devonshire Rec. during a fixture between Paget and Wolves in November.

Mussenden said it was the BFA's duty to ensure the safety and security of players and supporters and would continue to try and foster a family atmosphere at grounds.

"Our next duty is to stand side-by-side with one of our affiliate members who is having problems and ensure they're addressing the things they need to," he said.

"Football is a family sport and families should come out and support football. But we need to recognise there are social ills in our country that get played out at some of our grounds.

"We are doing much to make grounds safe and secure, and we've a huge budget assigned for the presence of paid police."