Turkish sports minister slams punishment

TURKEY’S sports minister accused FIFA of leaning too heavily on president Sepp Blatter’s version of events and vowed to challenge the severe punishment doled out after violence marred November’s World Cup play-off against Switzerland.

Following a disciplinary hearing, FIFA have ordered Turkey to play their next six competitive matches behind closed doors and on neutral ground.

Newcastle midfielder Emre Belozoglu and former Aston Villa defender Alpay Ozalan, now at Cologne, have each been banned for six matches for their part in the clashes in Istanbul on November 6.