Heskey may well be reprimanded by UEFA for his uncharacteristic actions during the fracas, but Anfield manager Gerard Houllier has quickly leapt to the defence of his player.
Houllier said: "If Emile reacted to something then I can tell you it must have been after extreme provocation. Emile is a quiet man and for him to become involved would have taken something big.
"I have spoken to Emile about it but I won't tell you what he said because UEFA are leading an inquiry and they need to get on with that job.
"I wasn't in Turkey and I wasn't in the tunnel at the time so it's hard for me to comment. All I know is that there were a number of players involved, not just Emile. Anyway, I like it when players react."