UEFA have warned that England & Russia could be disqualified from the European Championship if there is further violence in the coming weeks.
There were sour scenes prior, during and even after the 1-1 draw between England and Russia on Saturday night at the Stade Velodrome, with fireworks, flares and violence marring an entertaining match.
European football’s governing body charged the Russian Football Union on three counts on Sunday: crowd disturbances, racist behaviour and setting off fireworks, with the sanctions decided on Tuesday.
However, Uefa have now warned both Russia and England they could both be thrown out of the competition completely this summer if there are similar scenes in the days to come.
Uefa have also released a statement on their official website in which they reveal their “disgust” at the violent clashes which occurred in the city of Marseille on Saturday.
The full statement read:
“The UEFA Executive Committee would like to express its disgust for 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 (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.
“We would also like to publicly voice our support for the work of the French Authorities and security forces for their efforts to deliver a safe and secure tournament in challenging circumstances.”
England fans had to flee the stands on Sunday, with a number attempting to climb over stadium walls, while women and children attempted to escape.
Footage appeared to show hundreds of Russia fans running towards the England supporters when the game to an end, but it appears Uefa are in no mood to take it easy with the Three Lions.
England’s next game is on Thursday against Wales and there are worries that with Russia playing Slovakia in Lille, supporters from England, Wales and Russia could all be within miles of each other.
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