Russian Soccer Fans Detained Over Violence

Earlier on June 14, UEFA gave Russian Federation a fine and “suspended disqualification” that would go into effect if “incidents of a similar nature happen inside the stadium” at any of Russia’s remaining games.

The UEFA has opened separately disciplinary proceedings following the UEFA EURO 2016 group stage matches between England and Russia, Albania and Switzerland, Turkey and Croatia.

Russian and English fans clashed in the town of Marseille before and after the game, but such violence outside the stadium was not referred to by UEFA.

Russian Sports Minister Vitaly Mutko said “the punishment is excessive” and described the 150,000 euro ($169,000) fine imposed by UEFA as “huge”.

Lebedev went on to blame police officials for not responding to British soccer fans, whho he says incited the violence at Saturday’s game in Marseille.

The head of Britain’s Euro 2016 policing operation said the Russians wore gum shields, martial arts gloves and carried knives. Russian fans were seen punching and kicking England fans after their 1-1 draw in the Stade Velodrome.

“We do not know what was going on in the streets, but when a national anthem is played with the accompanying whistling it is a bold violation of all moral norms”, Slutsky said.

UEFA are tired of the presence of a number of Russian fans who are considered “hyper violent and hyper rapid” as described by French authorities.

The suspended disqualification and fine only relate to incidents that happened inside the stadium. This has the potential to complicate Group B, as a disqualification would result in retroactively voiding the results of Russia’s previous matches, and forfeiting all points they’ve earned, including the match against England.

“We understand there is to be an alcohol ban across the host cities and we would welcome this, particularly in Lille on Wednesday where many English fans have been asked to gather ahead of Thursday’s match against Wales in Lens”.

French authorities have pledged to increase security in Lens by deploying 2,400 police, gendarmes, security guards and a riot squad.