The violent background of Russia’s most vicious hooligan who has wreaked havoc at Euro 2016
Sick fighter led team of 1000 hooligans in biggest brawl in Russian history in 2007
THIS is the man who orchestrated and led the vicious Ultra attacks against England fans at Euro 2016.
Vasily “the Killer”, 35, is a dedicated Spartak Moscow fan and has led thousands in brawls against their rivals.
He helped to found the Spartak Gladiators firm in 1996, an organised group of hooligans affiliated with their favourite football team.
The terrifying team were the ‘unofficial’ hooligans for Spartak in the 1990s, who were linked to a group called “Flint’s Crew”.
The vicious groups were dedicated to fighting Spartak’s rivals, namely CSKA Moscow, Zenit St Petersburg and Dynamo Moscow.
Most famously, Vasily led a fighting unit of 1000 against Zenit in 2007.
The huge brawl, which took place in Severyanin, near Moscow, became the biggest fight in Russian football history.
According to rumours, Vasily became known as ‘killer’ because of his vicious brutality that day.
His gumshield has been emblazoned with his vicious nickname.
He said: "Fighting is like some kind of sport.
"History is very important to me. I personally have more respect for movements which have more depth in them – on top of the support of their favourite club or city.
"As long as they stand for their country, historical and moral values, they have my respect.
"I don’t give a s*** how good their performance is in the stadium."
Related Stories
"It is more important to beat hooligans with pride, passion and history."
In an interview with Hooligan TV, he said that his two sons now come along with him to matches.
He said: “This makes me truly proud.”
The hulking monster is a terrifying sight – he is covered in tattoos and fights in MMA gloves.
But as Euro 2016 loomed on the horizon, Vasily decided to give up inter-club rivalries to focus on international brawling.
He organised a truce with the rival football hooligan groups to focus on the huge tournament.
After promising to “absolutely obliterate” the English, he has helped to lead vicious Russian Ultras in brutal battles with Three Lions fans.
He was the man who organised the horrific brawls against the English last Saturday in Marseille.
Thanks to his leadership, two supporters were beaten into comas, while countless others were injured and abused after the tense football match.
According to prosecutors, the men who beat the fans into unconsciousness will face attempted murder charges.
Brutal Vasily left mocking calling cards at the scene of the fight, which read: “RIP England fans”.
The violence continued at England’s next match in Lille, as Welsh fans were also targeted by the Russians.
The fighting has continued this week as six Ultras were arrested in Cologne for beating up a group of Spanish tourists.
Hooligan Dimo said: "This has been big for Russian hooliganism. We are proud."
Even though the Spartak Gladiators are only the third most powerful group linked to the football club, Vasily remains a feared and powerful Ultra.
Because of the brutal violence at this year’s tournament, Russia has been handed a suspended disqualification.
If there is to be any more violence, Russia will be removed from the competition.
We pay for your stories! Do you have a story for The Sun Online news team? Email us at [email protected] or call 0207 782 4368