UEFA have handed Russia suspended disqualification from Euro 2016, promising to remove the side if there is any more violence in stadiums.
The footballing body has also fined Russia 150,000 euros (nearly £120,000).
BREAKING: UEFA hands Russia suspended disqualification from #Euro2016. Kicked out if more violence in stadiums pic.twitter.com/T7QLtgqAWZ
— Rob Harris (@RobHarris) June 14, 2016
Russian fans broke through to a segregated area to charge at England supporters in the Stade Velodrome following the two team’s 1-1 draw on Saturday evening.
England fans (and many French people too) climbing fences to avoid Russian supporters pic.twitter.com/ryE9JXSwwP
— Nick Eardley (@nickeardleybbc) June 11, 2016
UEFA opened disciplinary hearings against Russia on Sunday following the stadium violence, but are not believed to be pressing charges against the English FA, although we understand police will be deployed inside the Lens stadium for England’s game against Wales on Thursday.
The UEFA charge sheet against the Russian Football Union over Marseille. No charges for English FA pic.twitter.com/S3kWUsBLvD
— Rob Harris (@RobHarris) June 12, 2016
The current Euro 2016 handbook reads that if stadium violence continues and Russia is indeed removed from the tournament, the results off all of its matches, including the 1-1 draw with England would be declared null and void.
^ #Euro2016 rule book says "If an association is disqualified during competition, the results of all its matches are declared null and void"
— Gavan Reilly (@gavreilly) June 14, 2016
UEFA’s ruling comes after various reports there are a number of Russian hooligans operating in France with the sole intention of attacking football fans. The Independent claim a group 300 Russian hooligans arrived in Marseille last weekend to conduct an organise assault involving flares, MMA gloves and other fighting equipment.
At least 19 British people have been hospitalised following last weekend’s fan violence, with four in a critical condition.
