UEFA threatens Russia, England with disqualification over violence

UEFA has warned English and Russian football authorities that their national sides could be expelled from Euro 2016 if fan violence continues.

Three days of fighting between English fans, their Russian counterparts, local gangs and police in Marseille dominated the build-up to Saturday’s 1-1 draw at the Stade Velodrome.

Minutes after Vasili Berezutski scored a last-minute equalizer for Russia, sections of their support stormed over a tarpaulin barrier towards English supporters, who fled over barriers.

Saturday night in Marseille saw more flashpoints, as riot police fired tear gas into squares, bars and restaurants as more fighting erupted.

UEFA warned it will not hesitate from taking strong actions against the teams, if their fans do not curb such behavior.

A statement read: “”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 (RFU), including the potential disqualification of their respective teams from the tournament, should such violence occur again.

“We urge both the FA and the RFU to appeal to their supporters to behave in a responsible and respectful manner.”

Britain’s ambassador for France confirmed that England fans had been hospitalized, while arrests have been made on the two days before matchday, as well as before, during and after the game.