England v Turkey fallout: The England captain David Beckham has been accused of forcing a cameraman to stop filming a brawl involving his players at half-time in the Euro 2004 qualifier on Saturday.
In a tape of the incident in the tunnel shown on Turkish television yesterday and on Sky television last night, the hand of an unidentified England player forces the camera towards the ground as it captures a scrum of England players trying to reach Hasan Sas, the Turkey substitute. The cameraman involved confirmed yesterday the England player in question was Beckham.
The tape, filmed by TRT, the state broadcaster, records the players as they emerge into the stadium from the tunnel at half-time. After the match there were allegations that following an exchange between Alpay, the Turkish defender, and England captain David Beckham, a fight broke out in the players' tunnel. Beckham and Wayne Rooney are being investigated by UEFA after their role in the clashes. Emile Heskey could also face disciplinary action, with Alpay.
The video shows a melee erupting after the players come through the tunnel into the area outside the dressing room. The footage shows referee Pierluigi Collina leaving the tunnel and walking into the lobby in front of the changing rooms. He is followed by John Terry, being calmed down and partially restrained by Rustu, the Turkey goalkeeper. Terry, clearly upset, casts a backward glance at the tunnel.
The camera cuts away to another shot, showing Hasan Sas approaching the oncoming England players. He appears to be addressing them. Heskey reaches towards Sas but is blocked by the Turkey midfielder's bodyguard, with whom he appears to struggle. Three or four more England players attempt to assist Heskey. Sol Campbell tries to reach beyond the line of bodyguards who are protecting Sas and Ashley Cole is struggling with the security men.
Terry is also seen at the fringes of the group attempting to move forward. Rustu appears at the edge of the picture attempting to calm things down, while Cole is seen with his fist raised above the group. The footage of the scrum lasts for a little over six seconds. After that the hand of an England player pushes the camera down.
UEFA yesterday began disciplinary proceedings against the Turkish football authorities for failing to control their fans and have ordered video evidence and witness statements into the fighting between the players. UEFA's next disciplinary hearing is on October 30th. Although the likely outcome for Alpay is a warning or a fine, the Turkish authorities might not find UEFA so lenient when it comes to missiles being thrown on the pitch - Beckham handed Collina a stone as he went to take a first-half corner - and flares being lit in the stands.
"We have started proceedings against the Turkish FA for a lack of order and discipline in the stadium," said Mike Lee, UEFA's communications director. "On the question relating to the players, we have decided to request video evidence before deciding whether or not a formal disciplinary process is needed."
Alpay's role has intensified Aston Villa's resolve to rid themselves of the 30-year-old. A source yesterday confirmed Alpay's £22,000-a-week contract, which expires at the end of the season, will not be renewed.
