FA concerned by prospect of Istanbul clash

The English Football Association is expected to raise concerns about the venue for October's return match against Turkey following…

The English Football Association is expected to raise concerns about the venue for October's return match against Turkey following the disgraceful behaviour of English fans at the Stadium of Light last night.

Two pitch invasions, crowd trouble outside the Sunderland stadium leading to the arrests of 95 England fans, and scuffles with Turkish players have led to heightened concerns about the final game of Euro 2004 qualifying Group 7.

Both England goals last night led to invasions by around 50 supporters and the second led to a scuffle with a fan involving Turkey defender Alpay.

A leading Turkish FA official has called for England to be punished for the pitch invasions, but UEFA will wait until they have received the reports from match officials before deciding whether to investigate.

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European football's governing body are playing down suggestions that England could be forced to play their next game behind closed doors; a heavy fine is more likely.

FA acting chief executive David Davies confirmed they would consider banning England fans from travelling to Turkey for the match, which is expected to be held in Galatasaray's Ali Sami Yen stadium in Istanbul, though the venue has yet to be confirmed by the Turkish FA.

If that stadium is officially confirmed then the FA may ask the Turkish FA for a change of venue to another stadium or city. The final option would be to appeal to UEFA for a change of country - though the last option would be unprecedented.

There is a history of tense relations between English and Turkish fans which culminated in two Leeds fans being stabbed to death in Istanbul three years ago. That alone could prompt a change of venue to a less volatile city such as Izmir, which has hosted England's last three games in Turkey.