England fans in danger of ‘extreme violence' from hooligans
GETTY England fans in danger of 'extreme violence'
Russian hooligans will reportedly pose a genuine threat to travelling fans, despite the nation's crackdown on football violence. UK Government officials fear that aggression could be backed by the Russian state after a senior Russian MP posted on Twitter “Well done lads, keep it up!” following violence at the Euro 2016 in France. England supporters were heavily targeted by Russian fans ahead of their Euro 2016 opener in Marseille last year, which left two comatose men fighting for their lives in hospital. At the time Russian President Vladimir Putin said: “I don’t know how 200 fans could hurt several thousand Englishmen.”
Following Thursday’s 1-0 win against Slovenia, England have secured their place at next summer’s tournament. Up to 20,000 fans are expected to travel to Russia, but Britain’s most senior football police officer has warned England fans could be subject to an “extreme level of violence” at the hands of Russian ultras. There has been a severe crackdown on hooliganism in the country since the Euros, with fans issued with banning orders.
Jose Mourinho snapped watching England face Russia in Euro 2016 Sun, June 12, 2016 Jose Mourinho posted a picture on his Instagram of him watching England face Russia in Euro 2016 Play slideshow Instagram•Jose Mourinho 1 of 5 Jose Mourinho has already been watching some of his Manchester United stars in action...
However a documentary released in February revealed thugs were planning another assault on England supporters next summer. Deputy chief constable Mark Roberts, who will co-ordinate Britain’s policing operation at the World Cup, said that there were “risks” in attending the tournament. He said: “There are risks, because if you look back to what happened in Marseille, there were Russian supporters there intent on causing significant disorder and causing significant injury.
GETTY England and Russian fans clashed at Euro 2016
“You only have to go on YouTube to see that there is an active hooligan issue in Russia and it generally operates at a pretty extreme level of violence. There clearly is a potential issue. “The balance to that then is, ‘Do we think the Russian police are going to treat it seriously? Is there a commitment from Russian state to treat it seriously?’ "And I think, everything I’ve seen, the reassurance is there.”
GETTY England have secured their place at the World Cup
England player ratings against Slovenia Thu, October 5, 2017 Express Sport rates how the England players performed during their World Cup qualifier against Slovenia at Wembley Play slideshow Getty Images 1 of 14 How did England perform during their World Cup qualifier against Slovenia?