Russia a riot away from suspension

PARIS – 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 ß150 000 fine on the Russian Football Union (RFU) yesterday.

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

“Charges relating to crowd disturbances, use of fireworks and racist behaviour had been brought against the RFU,” Uefa said in a statement, adding that 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.

Russian sports minister Vitaly Mutko told the R-Sport news agency that Russia, who have been chosen to stage the 2018 World Cup, 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 got to do with that? It is not guilty.”

Russia next face Slovakia in Group B in Lille, while England take on Wales in neighbouring Lens tomorrow.

Adam Szalai and Zoltan Stieber scored second-half goals as Hungary stunned highly-fancied Austria 2-0 in their Group F opener in Bordeaux last night.

Austria, tipped as tournament dark horses, dominated the opening period but Szalai fired Hungary ahead on 62 minutes with Stieber wrapping up a shock victory over their old rivals late on in the 138th meeting between the sides. –