Turkish government wades into Beckham row

The Turkish government has attempted to defuse the England-Turkey football row by saying David Beckham and Alpay should have behaved like gentlemen.

Turkey's foreign minister said Alpay's taunt at Beckham during last week's Euro 2004 qualifier was caused by nerves.

"They should not have created the potential for hostilities," Abdullah Gul told reporters on the sidelines of a summit of Islamic leaders in Malaysia.

Mr Gul declined to comment on the tunnel clash, but cautiously came to Alpay's defence.

"Alpay is a good player. He was nervous," he said. "But...both players should have been gentlemen."