COMMUNITY leaders in the North have appealed for calm ahead of tomorrow's international football match at the Stadium of Light, in Sunderland.

About 5,000 Turkish supporters are expected to attend England's crucial Euro 2004 qualifier with Turkey, including fans from the region's Turkish population.

England's game against Liechtenstein last weekend was marred when English hooligans ran riot.

There is a history of violent clashes between the English and Turks at football matches, and the ethnic population in the North-East is worried that tomorrow's game will be a flashpoint for more trouble.

Hakan Aslan, secretary of the Turkish Community Association, said: "There is always a possibility that there could be a clash between them. It is the job of the police to deal with that.

"Some of my members did raise concerns after the events of the weekend.

"We would hope that visiting Turkish fans from across the world will conduct themselves in a manner that brings credit to the local Turkish people.

"Likewise, we would hope that the people of the North-East will welcome the Turkish people and make their visit enjoyable.

"We are looking forward to the match and hope that everyone enjoys the occasion.

"Our fans are every bit as passionate as England fans, so it should be a great event.

Mr Aslan, who lives in Stanhope Street, Newcastle, said Turkish fans from Durham, Sunderland, Washington and Newcastle will gather in Newcastle before the match and travel by coach to Sunderland with a police escort.

At the stadium, they will meet with thousands of Turks, including family and friends from across the country.

Others are coming from Turkey, but most of the supporters will travel from Germany.

Superintendent Jim Campbell, of Northumbria Police, said: "We want to make sure that Turkish football fans get the most out of their visit to the North-East and enjoy not only the football, but feel they are welcome in our region.

"We have spoken to local community representatives and officials from Turkish football to make sure we provide fans with all the information they need to help them during their stay."