UEFA opens Turkey probe

UEFA is to instigate disciplinary proceedings against the Turkish Football Association following crowd disturbances at last night's UEFA EURO 2004™ qualifying Group 7 match between Turkey and F.Y.R. Macedonia in Istanbul.

Investigation opened
European football's governing body said that it had opened an investigation into alleged incidents in which Turkish supporters threw missiles on to the pitch and at F.Y.R. Macedonia players during the match, which Turkey won 3-2.

Available evidence
"On the basis of the evidence already available, we will be starting disciplinary proceedings against the Turkish FA in relation to the EURO 2004™ qualifying match between Turkey and F.Y.R Macedonia last night," said UEFA communications and public affairs director Mike Lee.

Possible sanctions
"Once our investigation has been completed, the matter will be referred to UEFA’s Control and Disciplinary Body for consideration, including any possible sanctions which they consider to be appropriate." The UEFA disciplinary body next meets on 3 July.

Turkey comeback
Turkey came back from a 2-1 deficit to win the match by the odd goal in five, and maintain their top place in Group 7, two points ahead of England, who beat Slovakia 2-1.