Accessibility links

Breaking News

UEFA Considers Expelling Russia, England from Euro 2016

update

Soccer fans clash in Stade Velodrome, in Marseille, after a match, June 11, 2016.
Soccer fans clash in Stade Velodrome, in Marseille, after a match, June 11, 2016.

European football's governing body, UEFA, threatened Sunday to expel both Russia and England from Euro 2016 in France if their fans continue violent behavior.

More than 35 people were injured in Marseille late Saturday after British and Russian soccer fans brawled in and around the Stade Velodrome.

After the match ended in a 1-1 draw, Russian supporters charged the English side, forcing fans to flee and climb fences in a desperate bid to escape.

After an inquiry into the skirmish, UEFA is expected to recommend a punishment Tuesday.

That was not the only incident at the monthlong tournament Saturday. In Nice, violence between Northern Irish football fans and local residents injured seven people.

UEFA condemned the violence, stating “people engaging in such violent acts have no place in football.”

'Idiotic troublemakers'

And the sport's world governing body, FIFA, said "idiotic troublemakers" caused what it called "shameful" violence.

On Sunday, there was a minor clash between opposing fans in Lille's central square before the Germany-Ukraine match in that city. Because of the problems, the French government has decided to ban alcohol in fan zones and other specific areas at the tournament.

"I have asked for all necessary measures to be taken to prohibit the sale, consumption and transport of alcoholic drinks in sensitive areas on match days and the day before, and on days when fan zones are open," Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve said.

"The events that took place in Marseille yesterday (Saturday) evening are unacceptable. Unacceptable for the authorities, unacceptable for society, unacceptable for football lovers," Cazeneuve added.

Security is to be tightened at the 10 stadiums hosting games, and the British government has offered to send more of its police to France ahead of England's next match against Wales Thursday in Lens.

XS
SM
MD
LG