UEFA have begun their disciplinary hearings against Russia following crowd violence in the Stade Velodrome this weekend.
England’s 1-1 draw with Russia in their Euro 2016 opener was marred by fan violence as Russian fans broke through a segregated area to attack England supporters at full time.
UEFA have been quick to act and will likely issue sanctions against the Russian FA. It is believed no action will be taken against the English FA as of yet.
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
Initial fan reports described an loud noise going off prior to the Russian fan charge, almost like an ‘explosion’. It is now believed that said noise was a result of a flare gun going off, shot across from Russian fans into the England crowd.
One Russian fan shoots a flare gun into the England end. How has a flare gun got into the stadium? pic.twitter.com/wkMg1PJqBO
— MikeTheTipster (@miketipster) June 12, 2016
“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,” read a statement following the charges.
“This kind of behaviour is totally unacceptable and has no place in football.
“Disciplinary proceedings have been opened against the Russian Football Union for the following events occurring inside the stadium: crowd disturbances, setting off of fireworks and throwing of missiles. 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.”
Early on Sunday morning, Russian Sports Minister Vitaly Mutko said he was expecting Uefa to fine the Russian FA following incidents in Marseille.
“We behaved incorrectly,” R-Sport news agency reported him as saying before adding there were “many nuances” to what happened, and Russian officials would investigate.
It is expected Uefa sanctions will be decided at a disciplinary meeting on Tuesday.
