Euro 2016: Russia given 'suspended disqualification' over crowd violence

Russia could be kicked out of Euro 2016 after being handed a suspended disqualification by UEFA for the crowd troubles surrounding their supporters in France.
The Russian Football Union (RFU) have also been fined €150,000 for their fans' part in the crowd disorder in Marseille.

The start of the summer’s European Championship has been marred by a number of incidents of violence – particularly between Russia and England fans before and after Saturday’s game at the Stade Velodrome.
A number of Englishmen were arrested in the build-up, but events after the game saw many peaceful supporters become victims as, according to some reports, up to 150 trained ‘hyper-violent’ Russian hooligans ran riot in Marseille.

And the Russia team could find themselves out of the competition if troubles persist.
The Russian Football Union were charged in relation to offences of crowd disturbances, use of fireworks and racist behaviour inside the Stade Velodrome on Saturday.
UEFA's control, ethics and disciplinary body met in Paris to consider the case and imposed the suspended disqualification and a 150,000 euro financial penalty.
Any further incidents of crowd disturbance inside grounds at Russia's matches will see the suspension lifted and the country thrown out of Euro 2016.

A UEFA statement read: "A suspended disqualification of the Russian national team from UEFA EURO 2016 for the crowd disturbances.
"In accordance with Article 20 of the UEFA Disciplinary Regulations this disqualification is suspended until the end of the tournament.
"Such suspension will be lifted if incidents of a similar nature (crowd disturbances) happen inside the stadium at any of the remaining matches of the Russian team during the tournament."
The decision only relates to incidents which occurred inside the stadium and are therefore under the jurisdiction of the UEFA disciplinary bodies. The decision is open to appeal.

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