Mon, 2009-10-19

Over the last few days much has been said about the Bermuda Police Service and the lack of attendance at a particular sporting venue this weekend. We would like to take this opportunity to clarify a few of the facts involved in this incident. First, on Saturday October 17th there was a football match between Boulevard Blazers development team and Southampton Rangers development team at 1pm at Southampton Rangers Sports Club. At the end of the match it appears that players from the Boulevard team were getting into a taxi when males attacked the vehicle using projectiles and other objects. Police were called and upon Police arrival it was ascertained that the victims had already left and the suspects had also made good their escape. Police kept a high visibility presence in the area and one person was arrested as a result of a warrant check.

Points to note:

• No one from the Bermuda Football Association (BFA) or their affiliates at any time made contact with Bermuda Police Service to indicate that Saturday’s game was considered a high risk match.
• No one from the Bermuda Police Service ever communicated to the Southampton Rangers Sports Club management that they would not be attending.
• As per usual Police maintained a high visibility presence at other games over the weekend where there was a potential for violence.

The Bermuda Police Service is committed to working with our community partners at the BFA to manage the potential for violence at football matches. It is an issue that affects every aspect of our community and we will continue to work with our community partners to identify the vulnerable areas. We recognize that it is not easy to try and preempt violence at these events and the Bermuda Police Service remains committed to working with the Bermuda Football Association to ensure their football matches remain a safe place for all persons to attend.

• More Press Releases Here