Before next Tuesday's friendly against Serbia and Montenegro Beckham will ask England supporters to avoid a repeat of the scenes that took place before last month's Euro 2004 qualifier against Turkey at the Stadium of Light and the 2-0 victory was marred by a number of pitch invasions.

After England's friendly against Serbia and Montenegro we will host Slovakia at Middlesbrough's Riverside ground in another European Championships qualifier and the England skipper is concerned about the consequences should there be more trouble.

However, he is aware that the players have their part to play too.

"It shouldn't happen. If it does again we will be thrown out of Euro 2004," he said.

"We have to be careful about our celebrations. I don't believe the players were responsible but we have to cut it down.

"We have to celebrate in the middle of the pitch instead of by the corner flag. We want to stay in the competition."

The FA's Head of Media Relations  spokesman Adrian Bevington confirmed:

"David regards this as hugely important and his message is directed at England fans everywhere.

"He knows the gravity of this situation.

"We, as a country, have had a very serious warning about our future conduct and no self-respecting fan wants the team playing behind closed doors or even being thrown out of a tournament."

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