Post by Taxigirl on Oct 27, 2003 18:04:20 GMT
Uefa have announced that the English and Turkish Football Associations have been charged with improper conduct following the tunnel bust-up at half time in the Euro 2004 qualifier in Istanbul.
Players from both sides clashed after a stormy first half had seen Alpay Ozalan goad England skipper David Beckham, with the Real Madrid midfielder chasing his tormentor down the tunnel after being provocatively poked in the face.
Television pictures released in Turkey later showed a melee away from the spectators inside the ground, with referee Pierluigi Collina needing to restore order.
After reviewing the video evidence, Uefa have decided not to charge individuals for their part in the fracas, but both England and Turkey stand accused of failing to control their players.
A meeting scheduled for October 30 will decide the punishment, with Turkey also facing a further charge relating to a lack of order in the stadium from their supporters.
The news will be a relief to the likes of Emile Heskey and Hasan Sas, who appeared to be involved in some of the exchanges, as they will not face individual bans.
England secured a goalless draw which ensured their smooth passage into the Euro 2004 finals in Portugal, while Turkey must face Latvia in the play-offs.
"Yes, the players are in the clear on the basis of all the evidence available," revealed Uefa director of communications Mike Lee to Sky Sports News .
"It was thought there wasn't sufficient evidence against any individual player for violent conduct.
"They (the English and Turkish FAs) have to deal with the charges we've brought. Whether they wish to look at individual players, it is now a matter for them.
"It's not a matter for me to comment on but, on the basis of evidence we've seen, the official reports we have, and the limited number of previous cases we've had, we'll probably be looking at some sort of fine."
Players from both sides clashed after a stormy first half had seen Alpay Ozalan goad England skipper David Beckham, with the Real Madrid midfielder chasing his tormentor down the tunnel after being provocatively poked in the face.
Television pictures released in Turkey later showed a melee away from the spectators inside the ground, with referee Pierluigi Collina needing to restore order.
After reviewing the video evidence, Uefa have decided not to charge individuals for their part in the fracas, but both England and Turkey stand accused of failing to control their players.
A meeting scheduled for October 30 will decide the punishment, with Turkey also facing a further charge relating to a lack of order in the stadium from their supporters.
The news will be a relief to the likes of Emile Heskey and Hasan Sas, who appeared to be involved in some of the exchanges, as they will not face individual bans.
England secured a goalless draw which ensured their smooth passage into the Euro 2004 finals in Portugal, while Turkey must face Latvia in the play-offs.
"Yes, the players are in the clear on the basis of all the evidence available," revealed Uefa director of communications Mike Lee to Sky Sports News .
"It was thought there wasn't sufficient evidence against any individual player for violent conduct.
"They (the English and Turkish FAs) have to deal with the charges we've brought. Whether they wish to look at individual players, it is now a matter for them.
"It's not a matter for me to comment on but, on the basis of evidence we've seen, the official reports we have, and the limited number of previous cases we've had, we'll probably be looking at some sort of fine."