(abnd. 44 mins. power failure) What was supposed to be a spectacle of soccer artistry and skill turned into one of mob violence and hooliganism after a group of unruly fans went on the rampage at Devonshire Rec. last night.

A money bag containing gate receipts was stolen from a parked car by a group of youths who had demanded a refund following the first-round Dudley Eve Trophy match, pitting Devonshire Colts against North Village. The match was abandoned due to a power failure.

A blown transformer was believed to be the culprit of the power outage, but no one could explain what followed.

Many on hand blamed an inadequate response by the police, who apparently left the scene, causing a veritable "free-for-all'' against the defenceless gate-keepers.

"I don't know why the police left, but it is disturbing to me that they left without dispersing the crowd,'' said a a stunned Bermuda Football Association administrative assistant David Sabir.

"They just left them hanging,'' said another eyewitness.

Sabir, however, expressed greater displeasure with the action taken by so called "supporters of football.'' "This is terrible,'' continued Sabir. "This is absolutely pathetic ... it's our sport.

"This (upsets me) to the highest degree.

"We're (BFA) interested in the development of football and this is certainly not in the best interest of the game.

"They (fans) are the sole supporters of the BFA and the sport on the Island and this does nothing to help us in achieving goals set forth.'' Power was lost as the game neared halftime around 8 p.m. and did not return for approximately an hour and fifteen minutes.

The major source of trouble surrounded the eastern gate as chants of "I want my money back'' echoed from the crowd despite an offer by Sabir to use their ticket stubs for later matches.

Gate-keepers were said to have emptied their pouches into a single bag, which was placed in the front seat of the car, while they sat next to it awaiting assistance back to the club offices.

Police arrived on the scene quickly, but once they had left -- possibly feeling the worst was over -- chaos returned.

"The man came, but left when they thought the situation was cool,'' said one plainclothes security guard. "We were helpless, as soon as they (police) went, guys started shaking the car and throwing rocks and bottles.'' None of the gate-men were hurt, but a thief succeeded in forcing open a passenger window and made off with an unknown quantity of cash, running back through the grounds chased by others who were calling for a share of the spoils.

"It was a nerve-racking situation for the gate-men and I'm happy everyone is safe,'' added Sabir.

Those posted on the western gate were also subjected to abuse and one complained of being hit by a bottle, but all the money there was recovered.

BFA officials huddled to formulate a plan of action, but were at a loss for words.

"We're going to access how many tickets were sold from the gate, we can't say how much was lost,'' said Sabir.