Spitting caused bust-up

14 April 2012

The tunnel bust-up between England and Turkey players was sparked by a spitting incident, it was claimed today.

As UEFA continue their investigation into the brawl at half-time of the Euro 2004 qualifying tie in Istanbul, it was alleged today that the brawl was triggered by Hasan Sas spitting at Ashley Cole.

The Turkish squad member's actions so incensed Emile Heskey that he lunged at the Turkish players in the middle of a mass melee watched by referee Pierluigi Collina.

European football's governing body are reviewing video evidence of the bust-up which shows Heskey, Cole, Sol Campbell and David James involved with Turkish players and backroom staff.

They are also studying TV footage of incidents on the pitch that were not seen by Collina, including one where Aston Villa defender Alpay poked a finger in David Beckham's face as they were leaving the field at half-time.

There were suggestions that a Turkish player made a racist remark to Cole but the Arsenal defender's agent has denied this.

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