A MAN appeared in court yesterday charged in relation to the violence which marred last Wednesday's football match between England and Turkey.
A 37-year-old man appeared before Sunderland magistrates accused of using threatening or abusive words and behaviour in the run up to the Euro 2004 qualifying game at the Stadium of Light.
No plea was given at the short hearing, which was adjourned, and Gary Lee Clarke, from Arnold, Nottinghamshire, was bailed to return to the court in five weeks.
A further 13 people are scheduled to appear in court in Sunderland and Newcastle during the next 16 days. They were all arrested before, during or after last Wednesday's game.
Police made a total of 106 arrests on the day in an attempt to prevent clashes between rival groups of fans, although many of those detained were taken into custody as a preventative measure - to "nip trouble in the bud" - a police spokesman said afterwards.
The Football Association is still waiting to hear from UEFA over possible sanctions following pitch invasions after both England goals in the 2-0 victory.
Both incursions, involving England fans from the North Stand celebrating the late goals, were mentioned in the report of match referee Urs Meier to football's European governing body.
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