Sky told to share vital Turkey tie

Sports Minister Richard Caborn last night vowed to press Sky to allow England's crunch Euro 2004 qualifier in Turkey next month to be shown live on terrestrial TV.

The satellite broadcasters have exclusive rights to screen the October 11 Istanbul showdown, with the BBC and ITV not even being allowed to show highlights.

But the Government are desperate to discourage fans from travelling to the game and will ask Sky to share the live rights, as predicted by Sportsmail last week.

Caborn said:'We will approach broadcasters to share the match for this unique one-off occasion.'

That pledge has been prompted by his predecessor, Tony Banks, who has put down an early-day motion in the House of Commons urging discussions between Sky and the BBC.

Banks said: 'I want to make sure we remove the last vestige of excuse for any England fans to go to Istanbul. I fear UEFA are looking to make an example of England.'