Euro 2016: England and Russia threatened with disqualification over violence
The Washington Post
Jun 13, 2016 03:26 MYT
Jun 13, 2016 03:26 MYT
A man throws a beer can at English supporters ahead of the Euro 2016 football match England vs Russia, southern France, on June 11, 2016. / AFP PHOTO / JEAN CHRISTOPHE MAGNENET
England and Russia were warned Sunday that their soccer teams face disqualification if there is further violence by their fans during Euro 2016.
Disciplinary proceedings are underway against Russia, after what Union of European Football Associations called "totally unacceptable" scenes at Saturday's 1-1 draw between the teams in Marseille, France. Footage appears to show Russia fans rushing at England's fans after the match and UEFA confirmed that charges against Russia are for crowd disturbances, racist behavior and use of fireworks.
According to witnesses, the disturbances Saturday began when Russian fans set off flares in the stands near the end of the game. Fans then climbed barriers erected to keep fans separated. UEFA added that it would strengthen security at matches with the British government offering to send security personnel for England's next match Thursday in Lens. Russia next plays Slovakia on Wednesday in Lille.
In a strongly worded statement, UEFA said:
"The UEFA Executive Committee would like to express its disgust at the violent clashes which occurred in the city of Marseille.
"Such unacceptable behaviour by so-called supporters of the national teams of England and Russia has no place in football, a sport we must protect and defend.
"The UEFA Executive Committee has warned both football associations that - irrespective of any decisions taken by the independent disciplinary bodies relating to incidents inside the stadium - it will not hesitate to impose additional sanctions on the Football Association (FA) and the Russian Football Union (RFS), including the potential disqualification of their respective teams from the tournament, should such violence occur again.
"We urge both the FA and the RFS to appeal to their supporters to behave in a responsible and respectful manner."