The English Football Association says there will be no investigation into a reported brawl involving players and coaching staff following last night’s EURO 2004 qualifier against Turkey.
England goalkeeping coach Ray Clemence is said to have been involved in a bust-up with Turkish players, while there was also said to be some jostling between members of the rival teams.
FA head of communicationsPaul Newman however played down reports of any trouble. t
‘There was a packed tunnel at the end of a tense match full of total commitment and passion from both sides,’ said Newman.
‘There were some strong exchanges of views and some pushing and shoving. But there was no bust-up and no throwing of punches.
‘After a minute or so, everyone had retired to their respective dressing-rooms.’
Turkey coach Senol Gunes said: ‘Because of a lot of stress and tiredness there were a few rows in the tunnel but they are settled now. In our grounds no one is allowed to come onto the pitch, this will be decided by the authorities but no one should be allowed to come onto the pitch.
‘I don’t agree with the fans coming onto the pitch, maybe it affected our players. It became hysterical when the fans came on.’
His counterpart, England coach Sven Goran Eriksson allso played down the incident.
‘I don’t know exactly what happened but it happens in football,’ said Eriksson. ‘There’s too much emotion.
