Turkish stars in new tunnel fracas
LONDON, England (Reuters) -- UEFA is investigating allegations that Turkish players clashed with security officers in the tunnel after Saturday's Euro 2004 playoff first leg defeat in Latvia.
A UEFA spokesman said evidence is being gathered to present to a control and disciplinary board meeting on December 4.
"We are talking to both Turkish and Latvian football federations about Saturday's game ahead of the board meeting," the spokesman said.
"The board members will decide if any disciplinary action needs to be taken."
UEFA's move comes after Latvia midfielder Juris Laizans was reported as saying: "After the final whistle, the Turks ran after the referee and, as far as I know, their behaviour was mentioned in the (referee's) report.
"But the trouble didn't end there as they also started a fight in a tunnel with our security officers after the game."
Turkey and England were both fined last month after their players fought in the tunnel at halftime in a Euro 2004 qualifier in Istanbul.
That tie sent Turkey to the playoffs -- and Latvia are gearing up for Wednesday's clash also in Istanbul after their surprise 1-0 first leg win.
Turkey's Emre Asik was sent off in the 73rd minute in Riga after a second yellow card and is banned from the return along with keeper Rustu Recber and Faih Akyel who were booked.
Coach Senol Gunes may now turn to the likes of Hakun Sukur, Umit Davala and Deniz Baris as he bids to rescue a place in next year's finals.
Latvia lack defender Valentins Lobanovs after his first leg yellow card, but Mihails Zemlinskis and Dzintars Zirnis are available after suspension.
And Southampton striker Marians Pahars could return on the bench after a long-standing ankle problem.
