Euro 2016: UEFA warns England and Russia they could be thrown out of tournament if violence continues
Governing body say they could impose ultimate punishment after three days of trouble in Marseilles
ENGLAND and Russia have been threatened with EXPULSION from Euro 2016.
Fans of both nations were involved in violent clashes before and during Saturday’s 1-1 draw in Marseilles.
England and Russia supporters were involved in violent clashes in Marseilles around their Group B Euro 2016 game
And Uefa warned any further trouble will result in the countries being kicked out. FA chief exec Martin Glenn last night admitted he is treating the threat with “the utmost seriousness.”
Russia have been charged with “crowd disturbances, setting off fireworks, throwing missiles and racist behaviour”.
Uefa are also investigating whether Three Lions stars Danny Rose and Raheem Sterling were racially abused, although the charges against Russia currently relate to right-wing banners on display in the Stade Velodrome.
Balaclava-clad Russian thugs, wearing gum shields, fired a flare gun into the England fans inside the ground before attacking them at the final whistle.
There is another potential flashpoint looming in Lille on Wednesday.
Russian supporters waded into the England section of the Stade Velodrome to attack fans
That is the night Russia take on Slovakia, while the majority of England and Wales fans will also be staying in the northern city ahead of their game in Lens on Thursday.
A Uefa statement read: “We would like to express our disgust for the violent clashes in Marseilles.
“Such unacceptable behaviour by so-called supporters of England and Russia has no place in football, a sport we must protect and defend.
“The Uefa executive committee has warned both FAs it will not hesitate to impose sanctions, including the potential disqualification of their respective teams, should such violence occur again.
“We urge both the FA and the RFU to appeal to their supporters to behave in a responsible and respectful manner.”
FA chief executive Glenn declared: “I would not single out England fans, which is not to say the behaviour is not deplorable and embarrassing. I think it’s at that level.
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“I’ve not seen scenes like that in a football stadium for decades.
“We were worried for a while as we knew England fans had been able to get tickets from a Russian website.
“But the segregation in the ground was clearly not enough to stop the terrible scenes.
"It was very upsetting and must have been really scary for the people involved.
“We need to look at the security and the French and British police need to work out what happened.
“As for the sanctions, Uefa have charged the Russian FA for the disorder in the crowd, violence and the setting off of flares.
“We will let Uefa deal with that but they are clearly holding Russia to blame.
“The best way to support your team is to have a drink, sing a song but be respectful — otherwise it’s a problem.”
After Uefa announced the threat of expulsion, Glenn added: “We take this letter from Uefa with the utmost seriousness.
“We understand the potential implications of our supporters’ actions and wholly accept that every effort needs to be made by the FA to positively urge them to act in a responsible and respectful way.
“Violent scenes like those witnessed over the weekend in Marseilles have no place in football, nor society as a whole.
“We want people — fans and locals — to feel safe and enjoy a festival atmosphere at the Euros and we will continue to work closely with all the relevant authorities to achieve that.”
Last night a video emerged of Russian sports minister Vitaly Mutko appearing to cheer on his country’s yobs.
Barmy Mutko initially claimed there had been no violence — despite it occurring in front of him as he walked round the pitch.
He said: “There was no clash, that’s being exaggerated.
“The entire English sector just got up and ran away.
“There were no scuffles, police were standing there. Everything is OK. The police are working well.”
But Mutko, who once claimed expenses for 97 breakfasts during a three-week visit to Canada, was later forced into an embarrassing U-turn.
He admitted: “It’s the right thing. It is clear some people did not come here to watch football. They have covered their faces and then brought shame on their country.
“There was a flare gun, there had been clashes in the stands, it’s necessary to sort this out.”
Alcohol was already banned in the stadia but the French government yesterday announced a ban in and around grounds and fan zones following the violent scenes.
Saturday’s game was Russia’s first competitive match since Uefa lifted a suspended six-point deduction following “improper conduct” of their fans.
Incredibly the two countries could meet again in a Marseilles semi-final.
It is not the first time England have been threatened with expulsion from the Euros. Uefa were on the verge of booting them out of Euro 2000 after violence in Belgium.
