MIDDLESBROUGH fully deserves the opportunity to host next month's Euro 2004 qualifier between England and Slovakia.

Sixty-six years after a senior England team last played there, the town's club and supporters have earned the honour.

It will be a bitter disappointment if UEFA decides today that the game will be played behind closed doors.

However, we need to reflect on why the English Football Association is facing the threat of such a severe punishment.

Some of the scenes during last month's match against Turkey at Sunderland's Stadium of Light were shameful, a disgrace to our country.

Sickening racial abuse was aimed at Turkish fans and players. There was very loud booing during the Turkish national anthem. And pitch invasions followed both England goals.

Had the England supporters and players been the subject of such intimidation during an away match, the FA would have demanded action from UEFA. Indeed the FA has previously done just that.

There can be no complaints, therefore, from the FA on this occasion.

UEFA has set a precedent already in the Euro 2004 qualifiers by ordering both Georgia and Slovakia to play games behind closed doors.

Despite the FA's pleas in mitigation, it will be no surprise if similar punishment is meted out to England today.

The FA has been at the forefront of the campaign to rid football of racism, and it is to be applauded for the efforts it has made.

Nevertheless, it will be difficult for UEFA to treat England more leniently than other offending nations.

Racism and intimidation are the modern scourges of football. Authorities have a duty to take strong measures to eradicate them from the sport. There can be no exception.

The message to racists and thugs attracted to international football must be that they will not be tolerated.

It will be sad if Middlesbrough, an innocent party, suffers as a consequence.

But if it does, the FA must ensure that the next available international is allocated to the Riverside.