Football: Turkey escape ban.

Turkey escaped an order to play future matches behind closed doors but were hit by a fine of more than �22,000 by UEFA following crowd violence during their Euro 2004 qualifier against Macedonia on June 11 in Istanbul.

There were fears from Turkey that they might be forced to play their remaining home qualifier against England on October 11 in an empty stadium.

But UEFA chose not to impose such a penalty and decided a financial punishment would suffice.

A statement from UEFA said that the fine was handed down to the Turkish Football Association "for lack of order and security in the stadium".

The statement added: "The control and disciplinary body expressed their concern over the improper conduct of the local supporters and the potential risk that occurred to the match participants (players and officials).