Russia claim punishment for Euro 2012 violence is "very harsh"

By Andrew Warshaw in Warsaw

June 13 – Russia look set to appeal against a suspended six-point deduction imposed by UEFA today because of the “improper conduct” of their supporters during their opening 2012 European Championships game against Czech Republic.

The sanctions, which also include a fine of €120,000 (£100,000/$150,000), apply to the Euro 2016 qualifying campaign and leave the Russians, hosts of the 2018 World Cup, walking a tightrope – as well as hugely embarrassed.

“The UEFA Control and Disciplinary Body has today decided to impose a deduction of six points on the Football Union of Russia (RFS) in the qualifying round of the next UEFA European Football Championship,” a statement said.

“This decision is suspended for a probationary period running from now until the end of the play-offs of the next UEFA European Football Championship [UEFA Euro 2016].

“The Football Union of Russia (RFU) has also been fined €120,000 ((£100,000/$150,000).

“The RFU was facing charges for the improper conduct of its supporters [crowd disturbances], the setting off and throwing of fireworks and the display of illicit banners at last Friday’s UEFA Euro 2012 Group A match against the Czech Republic in Wroclaw.

“An appeal can be lodged against this decision within three days of the dispatch of the written decision.”

UEFA opened disciplinary proceedings 24 hours after Russia’s 4-1 win over the Czechs in Wroclaw last Friday (June 8) in which several stewards were attacked.

The penalty imposed was far more stringent than many had predicted but showed European football’s governing body would not shy away from cracking down on countries whose followers attempt to wreck the tournament.

Russian fans were involved in far more violent clashes, this time with their Polish joint hosts, before the 1-1 draw between the two countries here last night during which around 120 arrests were made.

Police used water cannons and tear gas to disperse the rioters in some of the worst scenes of football hooliganism at a major tournament for several years, prompted in part by thousands of Russian fans marching through town to mark their national day commemorating the fall of the Soviet Union.

Inside the stadium, conversely, Russian fans rekindled painful memories by displaying a giant “This is Russia” banner, considered highly provocative by the Poles who were subjected to decades of Moscow control during the communist era.

Whether any further action is taken by UEFA is not yet clear but in the meantime RFS Pesident Sergei Fursenko was quoted by R-Sport as saying his federation would be taking up the three-day deadline for an appeal against the suspended six-game ban.

“We want to submit an appeal against the punishment given,” Fursenko said, adding that it was “very harsh” to blame the team for the actions of their so-called supporters.

“It is a shame that the team answers for the ill-considered actions and words of the fans.”

The clashes here last night, it has to be said, were also highly embarrassing for Poland as joint hosts and the authorities promised tough penalties, not just for the visiting Russian fans but also for their own perpetrators.

“When it comes to our hooligans, I hope the prosecutors and especially the courts will be strict,” said Interior Minister Jacket Cichocki though UEFA issued a statement hinting the police presence at the tournament has at times been too overpowering.

“UEFA’s philosophy is to create a welcoming environment coupled with a low-profile approach to policing,” it said.

“UEFA is determined that the overwhelmingly peaceful and festive atmosphere that has so far pervaded UEFA Euro 2012 will be continued right up to and including the final in Kiev on Sunday July 1.”

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