Post by Salem6 on Oct 14, 2003 17:11:19 GMT
Uefa has stepped up its investigation into the tunnel bust-up that could leave England and Turkey players in trouble after the Euro 2004 qualifier in Istanbul.
Video footage revealed that about 50 people were involved in an incident sparked by clashes between Turkey defender Alpay and England captain David Beckham.
Uefa has also demanded statements from the respective football associations about the events in the tunnel, with the English FA already pledging full co-operation.
Alpay confronted Beckham following his 37th-minute penalty miss and then poked the midfielder in the face as the two jogged off the pitch following the end of the first half.
Watch the tunnel bust-up
And Uefa spokesman Mike Lee said: "Uefa has begun its investigation into the behaviour of players both on the pitch and in the tunnel.
"We will be reviewing video evidence of the game and the half-time incidents.
Several England players were involved in the scuffle
"We are also requesting statements from the two FAs regarding events in the tunnel."
Referee Pierluigi Collina played a leading role in calming tempers in the tunnel by speaking to both Alpay and Beckham privately before the start of the second half.
The edited footage shows a great deal of pushing and shoving among both sets of players and officials.
Several England players, particularly Emile Heskey, reacted angrily to an incident at one point as they and Turkish officials made their way to the dressing rooms.
"As a result of Mr Collina's report we have decided to request video evidence before deciding whether or not a formal disciplinary process is needed," Lee added.
"Mr Collina was able to see most of what happened in the tunnel himself and in fact dealt with what happened extremely well. He spoke to David Beckham and Alpay and calmed things down.
"We have to make sure that he did not miss anything before deciding whether or not to take disciplinary action."
Uefa has already started disciplinary proceedings against the Turkish football association after flares were lit in the stadium and missiles thrown on to the pitch.
Video footage revealed that about 50 people were involved in an incident sparked by clashes between Turkey defender Alpay and England captain David Beckham.
Uefa has also demanded statements from the respective football associations about the events in the tunnel, with the English FA already pledging full co-operation.
Alpay confronted Beckham following his 37th-minute penalty miss and then poked the midfielder in the face as the two jogged off the pitch following the end of the first half.
Watch the tunnel bust-up
And Uefa spokesman Mike Lee said: "Uefa has begun its investigation into the behaviour of players both on the pitch and in the tunnel.
"We will be reviewing video evidence of the game and the half-time incidents.
Several England players were involved in the scuffle
"We are also requesting statements from the two FAs regarding events in the tunnel."
Referee Pierluigi Collina played a leading role in calming tempers in the tunnel by speaking to both Alpay and Beckham privately before the start of the second half.
The edited footage shows a great deal of pushing and shoving among both sets of players and officials.
Several England players, particularly Emile Heskey, reacted angrily to an incident at one point as they and Turkish officials made their way to the dressing rooms.
"As a result of Mr Collina's report we have decided to request video evidence before deciding whether or not a formal disciplinary process is needed," Lee added.
"Mr Collina was able to see most of what happened in the tunnel himself and in fact dealt with what happened extremely well. He spoke to David Beckham and Alpay and calmed things down.
"We have to make sure that he did not miss anything before deciding whether or not to take disciplinary action."
Uefa has already started disciplinary proceedings against the Turkish football association after flares were lit in the stadium and missiles thrown on to the pitch.