England's players arguably displayed as much violent behaviour in Istanbul than Arsenal's did at Old Trafford, so the Football Association will regard the £4,400 fine levied by UEFA as getting off lightly.
The amount will be considered paltry even by an organisation that has well-documented financial problems.
The FA has cause to be grateful for UEFA's leniency. To put it into context, the catering bill for three days in Istanbul will probably set it back more. Taking into account the amount Arsenal have been ordered to pay, the finances at Soho Square are suddenly £270,600 better off.
Turkey, too, will not be unduly perturbed by their £13,300 fine after being found guilty of improper conduct and a separate charge of failing to control their fans. One of the flaws in UEFA's disciplinary process is that it does not consider previous hearings. This was Turkey's seventh offence in five years, more than any other nation under the governing body's remit.
As far as the English authorities are concerned, the relief was unmistakeable. TV had shown several players, notably Emile Heskey, involved in a full-scale brawl. There were two flashpoints, the first instigated by Alpay Ozalan jabbing his finger into David Beckham's face and the second by Hasan Sas allegedly spitting in Ashley Cole's face.
UEFA's investigation also determined that an official from the Turkish authorities was involved but the referee Pierluigi Collina took no action at the time, despite witnessing everything, something that was critical in the ruling body taking the action it has.
Guardian Service
