UEFA Open Disicplinary Proceedings Against Russia Following Ugly Scenes After England Match
UEFA have opened disciplinary proceedings against Russia following the ugly scenes that spoiled England's opening game at the European Championships, "?RTE report.
In the build-up to the match between the Three Lions and Russia, opposing sets of supporters clashed and at the full-time whistle the violence ensued again leaving at least 30 people injured, two of them seriously.
UEFA have hit Russia with charges relating to crowd disturbances, racist behaviour and letting off fireworks, although they are powerless to act upon the mass brawls that took place in the streets.
A statement from European football's governing body read "UEFA expresses its utter disgust for the violent clashes that occurred in the city centre of Marseille, and its serious concern for the incidents at the end of the match inside Stade Velodrome.
"This kind of behaviour is totally unacceptable and has no place in football.
"UEFA acknowledges that there were segregation issues at Stade Velodrome and will implement corrective measures to strengthen the deployment of security personnel at stadiums, in close collaboration with local authorities."
Russia fans charging England fans after the game #RUS #ENG https://t.co/PPxvwbzP3w
UEFA's disciplinary committe will reach a final decision on June 14th and Russia's Sports Minster Vitaly Mutko has admitted that the violence threatens to wreck their image ahead of the 2018 World Cup which they will host.
"Of course as hosts of the future World Cup we need to preserve our image and people shouldn't spoil it. That's the worst thing" he said.
At the end of the match, hordes of Russian fans powered their way into other sections of the stadium, ripping up seats and fighting all who crossed their path.
Chaos total au #Vélodrome où anglais et russes s'affrontent et envahissent les tribunes!#Marseille#ENGRUS pic.twitter.com/ZCI8KncgZS
Thousands of England fans ran for safety whilst some where forced to climb over a high-fence as stewards stood on the pitch and took no action.
Mr Mutko is resigned to receiving a hefty fine from UEFA and he confessed that fans behaved 'incorrectly.'
"We will have a fine from UEFA, so I understand. We behaved incorrectly" he continued.
However, he attempted to shift part of the blame on the authorities by saying "such matches need to be organised properly, you need to separate out the fans."
England and Russia fans fighting in Marseille. ? pic.twitter.com/D509Y8sBl9
The shocking incidents raise serious questions about security at a time when France is on high alert following November's terrorist attacks in Paris.
During the second-half of the match, the Russian fans behind Joe Hart's goal lit flares and set off fireworks and further concerns will be expressed over how they smuggled them inside the Stade Velodrome.
Speaking at a post-match press conference, FA spokesman Mark Whittle urged supporters to act in a respectful manner.
"The FA is very disappointed by the violent scenes of disorder and of course condemns such behaviour.
"It is now in the hands of the relevant authorities to identify those involved in trouble and deal with them appropriately and quickly.
"At this time the FA urges England supporters to act in a respectful manner and support England in the right way."
Sets of Northern Ireland and Poland fans have also been subjected to attacks in Nice by local ultras.
Speaking to very reliable source in Nice. Local ultras attacked Polish and NI fans who were mixing well. French riot police dispersed locals
Fears are mounting that the violence will overshadow the tournament amid the news additional forces have been drafted in to help police the match between Turkey and Croatia which is considered at high risk for hooliganism.
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