UEFA launches disciplinary proceedings against Russia

European football's governing body UEFA on Sunday said it had launched disciplinary proceedings against Russia after their fans assaulted their English counterparts at the end of a Euro 2016 group phase football match.

The Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) in a statement expressed its "utter disgust for the violent clashes that occurred in the city centre of Marseille and its serious concern for the incidents at the end of the match inside Stade Velodrome".

"This kind of behaviour is totally unacceptable and has no place in football," UEFA said.

A decision regarding sanctions would be made within days. UEFA has not charged England of misconduct.

A UEFA spokesman also said that security personnel would be increased at subsequent matches to segregate rival fans inside stadiums.

The match ended 1-1 here on Saturday.

Some 30 Russian fans started clashing with England's fans, having broken through a security cordon at the stadium.

After the incident, UEFA launched disciplinary proceedings against the Football Union of Russia, but not against the English side.

At least 35 fans are expected to be injured during several clashes.

Russia's sports minister Vitaly Mutko later on Sunday said he agrees with UEFA's decision to launch disciplinary proceedings against his country.

"Everything is right. There were flares, there was a flare pistol, there were clashes at the stadium, it is necessary to examine the situation, We will prepare for proceedings normally and will set out our position," Mutko told R-Sport.

He added that the football fans involved in disturbance after the Saturday match should be identified.

--IANS

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