Russia face exit if violence persists

Paris, June 14 

Russia could be thrown out of Euro 2016 if their fans cause further trouble inside a stadium after UEFA imposed a suspended disqualification and a 150,000 euro fine on the Russian Football Union (RFU) on Tuesday.

Masked Russia supporters charged at England fans, punching and kicking them, after the final whistle of the 1-1 Group B draw at the Stade Velodrome in Marseille on Saturday.

“Charges relating to crowd disturbances, use of fireworks and racist behaviour had been brought against the RFU (Russian Football Union),” UEFA said in a statement, adding its ethics committee had imposed a suspended disqualification and fine. “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,” it added.

Sports minister Vitaly Mutko said would not appeal against the sanction. “This decision (to fine Russia) was pre-determined. There was the decision of the executive committee, now they just confirmed this decision,” said Mutko. “The punishment is excessive, but we cannot influence it. The fine is enormous as the Russian Football Union is a non-commercial organisation. There is no sense to appeal. But what (has) the team has to do with that? It is not guilty.”

Strong response

While UEFA’s sanctions announced on Tuesday relate to incidents inside stadiums, the governing body warned last Sunday that it could throw England or Russia out of the tournament “irrespective of any decisions taken by the independent disciplinary bodies relating to incidents inside the stadium” if violence continues in areas outside.

Russia next face Slovakia in Group B in Lille, while England take on Wales in neighbouring Lens on Thursday.  It is the second time in as many European Championship tournaments that the Russian federation has faced sanctions because of the behaviour of its supporters.

The RFU was fined and given a suspended six-point deduction for its Euro 2016 qualifying campaign after fans assaulted stadium security staff and displayed illicit banners at the 2012 tournament in Poland and Ukraine. 

Kremlin: Officials must use influence to curb excesses

The Kremlin said on Tuesday Russian sporting officials and groups should use all their influence to ensure Russian soccer fans behave themselves at the Euro 2016 tournament. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov made the comments after France began to deport some Russian fans after serious clashes involving Russians around the England-Russia game in Marseille on Saturday. — Reuters

Tonight Live on Sony Six, Sony ESPN  

6.30 PM  Russia vs Slovakia  

9.30 PM Romania vs Switzerland  

00.30 AM France vs Albania

Quick  passes

Comprehensive security in place for 2018 WC: FIFA

FIFA said that World Cup 2018 host nation Russia was putting in place a “comprehensive security concept” to prevent a repetition of the hooliganism which has marred the European championship in France. The incidents have raised more questions about security at the World Cup in two years’ time, adding to existing concerns about racism at Russian football matches. “The policing and security infrastructure of major events of the scale of the Euro and the FIFA World Cup are very complex in nature,” said FIFA in a statement. 

Slovakia have sympathy for Russian rivals 

Slovakia coach Jan Kozak said it will be sad for the manager and players of next opponents Russia if they were to be kicked out of Euro 2016 because of the behaviour of their supporters. “It’s a pity because it’s a great championship, we have been enjoying it immensely and there has been a great atmosphere inside the stadium,” he said. Slovakia lost 2-1 to Wales in their opening match in Bordeaux and Kozak said he enjoyed the experience despite the result.

Szalai goal helps Hungary beat 10-man Austria

Austria were beaten 2-0 by old rivals Hungary in a Group F match. The Hungarians took the lead with a rare goal by forward Adam Szalai in the 63rd minute. It is his first at the international level since October 2014. Austria thought they had equalised soon after but Martin Hinteregger's effort was disallowed for a foul by Aleksandar  Dragovic who was sent off after receiving a second yellow card. Substitute Zoltan Stieber secured victory three minutes from the end.

Hungary’s Kiraly first 40-year-old ever to play at Euros

Hungary goalkeeper Gabor Kiraly will start their opening Group F match against Austria on Tuesday, becoming the first 40 year-old to appear at a European Championship. He has played more than 100 times since making his debut in 1998. In front of him, defender Tamas Kadar has been declared fit after suffering an ankle problem. The 37-year-old Zoltan Gera will have an important role in midfield and Adam Szalai has been chosen as the main striker, a position that has caused coach Bernd Storck problems in the past. — Agencies