By Andrew Warshaw
June 23 – Russia’s Euro 2012 went from bad to worse today when the national association was fined for the third time by UEFA because of the misbehavior of their fans.
In another embarrassing blow to their image off the field, the host nation for the 2018 World Cup were fined €35,000 (£28,000/$44,000) for crowd trouble at the country’s final group stage game against Greece which they lost 1-0 to tumble out of the tournament.
That takes the total the Russians have been fined because of their supporters to €195,000 (£157,000/$245,000), equating to a public relations nightmare on and off the pitch.
“The Football Union of Russia (RFU) has been fined €35,000 (£28,000/$44,000) by the UEFA Control and Disciplinary Body for the setting off and throwing of fireworks by spectators, and displaying of illicit banners at the June 16 game”, a UEFA statement said.
In addition to the fines, UEFA slapped Russia earlier in the tournament with a suspended six point deduction for their Euro 2016 qualifying campaign pending any further crowd trouble.
An appeal has already been lodged against that sanction which, if imposed, could scupper Russia’s chances of reaching the finals in France in four years’ time.
During the Czech Republic match, their opening game of the campaign which Russia won 4-1, fans displayed potentially inflammatory “Russian Empire” flags.
Four stewards were also attacked and needed hospital treatment.
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