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Turkey FA fined after trouble

July 04, 2003 17:25 IST

Turkey's Football Association has been fined 50,000 Swiss francs ($36,950) after trouble during last month's Euro 2004 qualifier against Macedonia, European soccer's governing body said on Friday.

UEFA said the fine was imposed for "lack of order and security in the stadium" at the June 11 match in Istanbul.

Macedonia's FA was fined 10,000 Swiss francs "for the disturbances involving its team during the same match, notably on the occasion of the celebration of the goals scored, contributing to the provocation of the local crowd".

Trouble has occurred at several matches in Group Seven during the qualifying campaign. England were fined a record 150,000 Swiss francs for racist abuse and crowd trouble at their home qualifier against Turkey in April.

UEFA launched their most recent investigation after the crowd threw bottles and coins at the Macedonia players when Artim Sakiri scored to give his side a 2-1 lead. Turkey came from behind twice before winning the Group Seven match 3-2.

UEFA's Control and Disciplinary Body, chaired by Spaniard Josep Lluis Vilaseca Guasch, "expressed their concern over the improper conduct of the local supporters and the potential risk that occurred to the (players and officials).

"The committee also took account of the Turkish FA's recent track record on disciplinary matters and the circumstances of the incidents under investigation," UEFA said in a statement.

Turkey, who top the group by two points, have one home game remaining on October 11 against second-placed England, who have a game in hand. Only the top team automatically qualifies for next year's European championship in Portugal.

England has decided not to take up its ticket allocation for the October qualifier in Turkey.

Slovakia were ordered to play their home qualifier against Liechtenstein in April behind closed doors after their fans racially abused England players in Bratislava in October.


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