UEFA have confirmed that they have opened disciplinary proceedings against the Russian Football Union following last night’s crowd disturbances during and after the Euro 2016 Russia and England game.
The game was overshadowed by negative behaviour before the match and subsequently ugly scenes continued during the 1-1 draw between England and Russia, with flares being let off, racist behaviour, and Russia supporters breaking through a partition inside the stadium and attacking England fans at the final whistle.
Two England fans were critically injured after ugly scenes in Marseille between ultras, locals and fans.
A statement from UEFA has been released a statement condemning the scenes before and after the game.
“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.
“Disciplinary proceedings have been opened against the Russian Football Union (RFU) for the following events occurring inside the stadium. A decision on the sanctions to be imposed will be made within the next few days, once the RFU has been able to submit written statements and evidence.
“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.”
Uefa opens disciplinary probe against Russian Football Union amid #EURO2016 violence, with alleged attack on NI fanshttps://t.co/j3iJhHlA9q
— PA Media (@PA) June 12, 2016
French interior minister Bernard Cazeneuve also expressed his disgust at the behaviour, given the sensitivity around security in France:
“The security forces can’t be diverted from their public security mission by the reckless behaviour and deliberate pseudo-fans whose only motivation is to disrupt public order and whose interior minister condemns the unacceptable conduct.”
Russia will host the 2018 World Cup, and Russian sports minister Vitaly Mutko wants the nation to do all it can to preserve the country’s image:
“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.