Turks take Blatter to task

THE TURKISH FA has expressed their dismay at comments made by FIFA president Sepp Blatter regarding the violent scenes that marred Wednesday night's World Cup play-off against Switzerland in Istanbul.

The match, which saw Turkey win 4-2 on the night but eliminated on the away goals rule after losing the first leg 2-0, ended in controversy with a fracas between players from both sides in the tunnel.

Yesterday, Swiss-born Blatter described the incidents as "trampling fair play underfoot" and announced world football's governing body would come down hard on the perpetrators.

"If you ask me what the sanctions can be, they can go from a warning to the suspension of the federation," he said.

"I can tell you this, not as a Swiss, but as the president of FIFA that we will act here and we will act tough. This was anti-fair play."

However, Blatter angered Turkish Federation vice-president Sekip Mosturoglu by adding: "The Turks had the chance after the [first-leg] defeat to act as a good host and show that revenge is not part of football."

Mosturoglu responded: "It is an extremely unfortunate statement. This was not a one-sided event.

"It is very dangerous and wrong to talk about something without having the reports on the incident.

"As FIFA president, he should have waited for the explanations of the other FIFA departments first, then made an announcement himself.

"When he makes such an announcement without waiting for the official reports he lost his objectivity and became the supporter of one side."

With Blatter declaring that FIFA would be launching a full investigation into the incident, Mosturoglu revealed the Turkish Football Federation would be doing the same.

"We will gather and do whatever is needed as well. We have one security guy in hospital as well. Do you think he was also beaten by the Turkish players?"

With regards to possible punishments, Mosturoglu believes it is unlikely that Turkey will be excluded from any future tournaments

"I don't think they can penalise a nation by leaving them out of a competition for some disciplinary problem in a single game. The [guilty] players may get a ban of four or five games."

The flashpoint in Wednesday's game in Fenerbahce's Sukru Saracoglu stadium came just after the final whistle.

Swiss midfielder Benjamin Huggel was seen to kick a member of the Turkish coaching staff as he ran off the pitch before Turkey defender Alpay aimed a kick at Marco Streller.

Television footage then showed a melee breaking out in the tunnel involving several players.

Swiss defender Stephane Grichting was also reportedly hospitalised after being kicked in the groin.

Blatter said: "To say that I am a happy man today would not be true.

"I am disappointed about the incidents, especially the lack of respect shown by the Turkish Football Federation towards the visiting team"

Blatter hopes the FIFA disciplinary committee's investigation can be concluded before the draw for the World Cup is made next month.