An England fan remains in critical condition after the start of Euro 2016 continued to be overshadowed by a third day of chaotic violence.
England fans were seen fleeing from Marseille’s Stade Velodrome shortly after the final whistle was blown on the 1-1 draw with Russia as Balaclava-clad thugs punched through a line of stewards before attacking bystanders.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5yxirNLI7PE
Earlier on at least one Briton is understood to have been left seriously ill after a day of disorder in the Mediterranean port city left as many as 20 England fans injured.
Kevin Miles, chief executive of the Football Supporters’ Federation, confirmed this fan was the man who had been seen getting resuscitated as he lay on the street.
The scenes from Marseille were described by the FA as “terrible” as it called on the local authorities to deal with the perpetrators swiftly.
Barbaric footage emerged of fans from Russia and England marauding through the streets, with people being punched and kicked as they lay on the floor.
The streets were carpeted with glass and chairs were seen smeared with blood as the police struggled to contain the violence.
There were also reports of attacks on Northern Ireland football fans by local “ultras” in Nice, where the side will play Poland later.
It is understood that Uefa will open disciplinary proceedings over the stadium violence, with Russia potentially facing strong sanctions.
The incident raises serious questions about French security at a time when the country is on high alert after November’s terrorist attacks on Paris.
Spectators reported seeing stewards in the ground at the end of the game, but no police officers.
Just before the end of the game white flares were lit in the Russian end, followed by a green rocket which went over England goalkeeper Joe Hart’s goal. This was followed by a bang and then a red firework.
Earlier water cannon and tear gas were used as fist fights and bottle-throwing broke out between the England supporters and their Russian and French counterparts in Marseille’s Old Port.
That has to be up there with the worst experience EVER at an away game! Teargassed for no reason, caged and treated like animals! Shocking!
— Rebekah Vardy (@RebekahVardy) June 11, 2016
Rebekah Vardy, the new wife of Leicester City striker Jamie Vardy, tweeted that she was caught up in the “horrific” violence before kick-off.
She wrote: “That has to be up there with the worst experience EVER at an away game! Teargassed for no reason, caged and treated like animals! Shocking!”
Number of Brits in hospital overnight. Consular following closely with French authorities.
— Julian King (@JKingEU) June 11, 2016
Julian King, British ambassador to France, tweeted: “Number of Brits in hospital overnight. Consular following closely with French authorities.”
Speaking at a post-match conference, FA spokesman Mark Whittle said the day’s events were regrettable.
“The FA is very disappointed about the terrible scenes of disorder and of course condemns such behaviour.
“It is now in the hands of the relevant authorities to identify those involved in trouble and deal with them appropriately and quickly.
“At this time the FA urges England supporters to act in a respectful manner and support England in the right way.”
