UEFA has threatened to disqualify Russia and England from EURO 2016 if there will be further violence among supporters. The Football Association has appealed to the supporters to be respectful and responsible following a warning by UEFA, following unacceptable behaviour of supporters at the Stade Velodrome in Marseille on Saturday, 11 June 2016.
Police have confirmed that at least 35 people were injured before and after EURO 2016 opening match in Marseille. The video footage shows dreadful scenes before and after Saturday’s match in the city, involving Russian and English supporters. Six British nationals have been hospitalised.
UEFA has charged Russian supporters with;
- Racist behaviour,
- Crowd disturbance and,
- Setting off fireworks
The footage shows a number of Russian supporters punching and kicking England fans, who were compelled to climb the fence to escape. There are fears that Russian and England supporters might embroil in another violence again later this week. Russia faces Slovakia on Wednesday, 15 June 2016 in Lille and England will play Wales Thursday, 16 June 2016 in Lens.
Russia and England violence lead to ban of alcohol in high-risk areas
Bernard Cazeneuve, France’s Interior Minister, proposed that the host cities ban the sale of alcohol on the match days. He further added that it is necessary to punish the national federations whose fans create such ugly behaviour.
According to the Guardian, UEFA ordered Russia to play three home EURO 206 qualifying games in empty stadiums. It also threatened Russia with a 6-points deduction in qualifying matches but that was removed on the appeal.
