Russian football hooligans warn England fans ‘prepare to DIE’ ahead of the World Cup 2018
THOUSANDS of Russian hooligans have issued a “death threat” to all England fans who dare to travel to the tournament this summer.
With just over two months to go, web football forums and social media in Russia are awash with sinister threats and images showing thugs training for the blood-thirsty battle ahead.
One Russian hooligan posted: “OK. You want a war, then you will have it. Fighting is in our blood – this June we will do more than just sing.”
One bragged they should “prepare to die” while another said “they’d better go to the gym and prepare themselves somehow”.
A supposed plan involves luring England fans to Reutov, a small town near Moscow, where they would then be rounded on, reports
It comes as authorities warn English fans the threat of violence with ultras is extremely high.
It has been reported Argentinian hooligans are also plotting to target Three Lions fans at this summer’s World Cup.
British cops have warned England fans to brace themselves as the ongoing conflict between Westminster and Moscow over the poisoning of former spy Sergei Scribal and his daughter Yulia sours already bad relations.
Deputy chief constable Mark Roberts of the National Police Chiefs’ Council, warned in February of violence.
He said: “This will, of course, cause concern for those England fans planning to travel to the World Cup and the behaviour of Russian fans needs to be a factor in deciding whether to go there or not.”
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has advised all travelling England fans to prepare for hostilities upon arrival.
The FCO said: “Due to heightened political tensions between the UK and Russia, you should be aware of the possibility of anti-British sentiment or harassment at this time.
“If you’re currently in Russia or due to travel in the coming weeks, you’re advised to remain vigilant, avoid any protests or demonstrations and avoid commenting publicly on political developments.”
A group of 150 "hyper rapid, hyper violent" Russian hooligans attacked Three Lions supporters in the French port city of Marseilles in 2016, in scenes which shocked the footballing world during the European Championships.
They threw chairs and beer bottles in violent battles the National Police Chiefs' Council said were "on a scale we haven't seen for many years".
At the time, the lead for football policing, Assistant Chief Constable Mark Roberts said: "The violence in Marseilles was highly organised and those involved appeared determined to carry out sustained attacks at a level of aggression I have not encountered in the past 10 years.
"We are very aware that this involved a small minority of English supporters. Investigations will continue and these fans could be subject to a football banning order on their return to the UK.
"Our investigation team is on hand to assist the French police in any way that we can to ensure those involved are identified and prevented from engaging in further disorder."
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