Souness saddened by Turkey feud

BLACKBURN manager Graeme Souness has admitted to being saddened by the atmosphere of hostility which currently exists between England and Turkey.

The bad blood spilled over again on Saturday during the Euro 2004 qualifier in Istanbul, with the half-time tunnel fracas involving players and officials from both sides to be investigated by UEFA.

Hot on the heels of this latest controversy, Souness' Rovers take on Turkish side Genclerbirligi in the second leg of a UEFA Cup first-round tie at Ewood Park.

But having managed Galatasaray for a year Souness believes there is a misconception about the Turkish people.

"I've lived in Turkey and I can only talk from my experience because I had 12 wonderful months there," said Souness, whose side must try and overturn a 3-1 deficit.

"I found the people warm, friendly and passionate, so it saddens me there is this atmosphere.

"Obviously, they've a few lunatics who go and watch their football, but then so have we most countries have."

There have been allegations, so far unfounded, that racist comments were made by the members of the Turkish team to England's black players.

But Souness believes it would be hypocritical to single out Turkish football for having a problem with racism.

"Unfortunately, that [racism] is in our football as well," added Souness.

"We're trying to change it and everybody in football is trying to change it in the professional game.

"We shouldn't be pointing the finger at Turkish football. I think it's a problem we also have in our country."

Blackburn's Turkey international, Tugay, meanwhile, has conceded he did foul Steven Gerrard for the penalty in Saturday's goal-less draw which led to skipper David Beckham's remarkable miss and the altercations with counterpart Alpay.

Souness, while summarising the game, felt Tugay had been tricked by Gerrard, but now concedes he was wrong and said: "It's been pointed out to me I got it completely wrong on Saturday.

"My thinking was Tugay was too cute to get caught like that and Steven Gerrard had accepted an invitation he couldn't say no to, but Tugay has pointed out it was a penalty."

Tugay has also been praised by Souness for not getting involved in the incidents which unfolded, claiming the midfielder is "a super pro".

"He's not one to get involved in anything untoward and he even congratulated the England players, which shows he is a proper professional," said Souness.

"He's come back and he's been fine around the place. We've had no negative reaction at this club from Tugay being Turkish."

Souness insists Tugay, along with the rest of his Rovers team-mates, are now anxious to make amends for the defeat in Ankara three weeks ago which has sparked a three-game losing run.