UEFA NEEDS TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT ENGLISH FANS

[benteke]

The English have the worst record of hooliganism among all Euro teas. So trying to absolve them of blame in these incidents is ridiculous. As Cellular correctly pointed out, the barbarians need to be banned

When those Hillsborough verdicts came out, I didn't want to sound insensitive.
But there is a little fact that Hilsborough occurred during the time when English teams and fans where banned from Europe after Heysel, these are fans with a very bad culture of hooliganism that even led to their ban from European competitions.

The problem didn't go away entirely, it keeps popping it's head away from home like when Chelsea fans racially abused a black man, and now this, unfortunately they got thumped

[Enugu II]

This is the most uncivilized behavior that one has witnessed related to sporting fans. UEFA should not tolerated these ridiculous behavior that give the event a bad name. The earlier action is taken the better. It is just ridiculous.

[Coach]

Holland are up there. Fully expect the Rotterdam boys to cast their hat into the ring. Hooliganism never died, it merely went underground. Throughout the recently completed Premier League season, there were countless showdowns, seldom reported for their lack of umpth. Truth be told, wherever there is division there is disturbance of peace. France have been ill prepared for the threat, focusing resources and rhetoric on the threat of extremism, casually ignoring the deviant element within their own and those invited. They have no clue where it's going to kick off next and sadly, for want of saving face, are likely to grow heavier in hand till disaster strikes.

[The YeyeMan]

Britain's Euro 2016 police chief lambasts 'tooled up' Russian fans

Daniel Boffey in Marseille
The Guardian
Sunday 12 June 2016 20.48 BST

The head of Britain’s Euro 2016 policing operation has hit out at the Russian football fans behind the scenes of violence in Marseille – and vowed to help search for them.

Assistant chief constable Mark Roberts said the attacks were the most serious and coordinated he had seen in 10 years specialising in football violence.

He told how British police spotters saw some Russia fans “tooling up” with gum shields, fingerless martial arts gloves and bandanas.

Roberts, who is in charge of Britain’s police operation in France, said: “England has had its problems with hooligans in the past. But the Russians are entirely different – they are like nothing we have seen before. They are highly organised and determined to carry out sustained violent attacks at a level of aggression I have not encountered in the past 10 years.

“Our spotters in Marseille saw them putting in gum shields and putting on martial arts gloves and bandanas before attacking England fans in the port.

“We know some were carrying knives because one England fan was stabbed. They wore a kind of uniform – all in black t-shirts and clothing and most carried bum bags, possibly to conceal weapons.

“Their attacks were prolonged and well orchestrated and left 14 England fans hospitalised. I cannot recall such a toll of serious injuries and this is a cause for serious concern.”

He added: “When they began their assaults they were extremely well orchestrated and came into the square seeking confrontation with England fans or anyone else in their path.

“Speaking candidly, it is clear there was a small minority of England fans who were in Marseille to cause trouble. Some of the English were guilty of anti-social behaviour.

“But there was a far larger hard core of Russian troublemakers we would estimate at around 300.

“They targeted English fans when the majority of them were decent people in Marseille to enjoy a drink and the football.”

Roberts said teams of specialist British police spotters on the quayside in Marseille observed a “perfect storm” of clashes.

Some Paris Saint-Germain football fans travelled to clash with a group of Olympique de Marseille fans, as England and Russia fans fought nearby.

About 2,000 England football fans have been issued with banning orders to block their travel to France, due to past offences. But no such bans have been placed on Russia’s Ultra Elite group.

Roberts said: “The situation in Marseille was probably unique. There has never been such a toxic mix in terms of football violence.

“Our primary concern going forward is for the safety of UK citizens at later stages in the tournament.

“Travelling England fans should be wary that they may encounter Russians in Lille this week as the teams have games a few miles apart.

“It would be sad if I were to advise England fans not to wear their colours in high risk areas so I will stop short of that, but I would advise them to be sensible and vigilant.”

Roberts’ team’s prime mission had been to gather evidence against any violent England fans in France to stop them travelling in future.

But his spotters’ video evidence will now be handed to French authorities attempting to track down Russian hooligans who attacked their English rivals.

“Our original intention was to use this kind of evidence against England troublemakers, but we are equally anxious to see Russian hooligans brought to book and will cooperate fully with French authorities investigating the disturbances.”

[anikulapo]

Britain's Euro 2016 police chief lambasts 'tooled up' Russian fans

Daniel Boffey in Marseille
The Guardian
Sunday 12 June 2016 20.48 BST

The head of Britain’s Euro 2016 policing operation has hit out at the Russian football fans behind the scenes of violence in Marseille – and vowed to help search for them.

Assistant chief constable Mark Roberts said the attacks were the most serious and coordinated he had seen in 10 years specialising in football violence.

He told how British police spotters saw some Russia fans “tooling up” with gum shields, fingerless martial arts gloves and bandanas.

Roberts, who is in charge of Britain’s police operation in France, said: “England has had its problems with hooligans in the past. But the Russians are entirely different – they are like nothing we have seen before. They are highly organised and determined to carry out sustained violent attacks at a level of aggression I have not encountered in the past 10 years.

“Our spotters in Marseille saw them putting in gum shields and putting on martial arts gloves and bandanas before attacking England fans in the port.

“We know some were carrying knives because one England fan was stabbed. They wore a kind of uniform – all in black t-shirts and clothing and most carried bum bags, possibly to conceal weapons.

“Their attacks were prolonged and well orchestrated and left 14 England fans hospitalised. I cannot recall such a toll of serious injuries and this is a cause for serious concern.”

He added: “When they began their assaults they were extremely well orchestrated and came into the square seeking confrontation with England fans or anyone else in their path.

“Speaking candidly, it is clear there was a small minority of England fans who were in Marseille to cause trouble. Some of the English were guilty of anti-social behaviour.

“But there was a far larger hard core of Russian troublemakers we would estimate at around 300.

“They targeted English fans when the majority of them were decent people in Marseille to enjoy a drink and the football.”

Roberts said teams of specialist British police spotters on the quayside in Marseille observed a “perfect storm” of clashes.

Some Paris Saint-Germain football fans travelled to clash with a group of Olympique de Marseille fans, as England and Russia fans fought nearby.

About 2,000 England football fans have been issued with banning orders to block their travel to France, due to past offences. But no such bans have been placed on Russia’s Ultra Elite group.

Roberts said: “The situation in Marseille was probably unique. There has never been such a toxic mix in terms of football violence.

“Our primary concern going forward is for the safety of UK citizens at later stages in the tournament.

“Travelling England fans should be wary that they may encounter Russians in Lille this week as the teams have games a few miles apart.

“It would be sad if I were to advise England fans not to wear their colours in high risk areas so I will stop short of that, but I would advise them to be sensible and vigilant.”

Roberts’ team’s prime mission had been to gather evidence against any violent England fans in France to stop them travelling in future.

But his spotters’ video evidence will now be handed to French authorities attempting to track down Russian hooligans who attacked their English rivals.

“Our original intention was to use this kind of evidence against England troublemakers, but we are equally anxious to see Russian hooligans brought to book and will cooperate fully with French authorities investigating the disturbances.”

Are the French Olokpas that useless? They are supposed to be ready to combat terrorism yet they could not spot a large gathering of people openly planning to commit violent acts. Useless French cupcakes

[Comrade Machel]

Yeyeman with all due respect I dont get how you are so resolute in your defense of the english. They more than the russians have well documented histories of %$#@^& up the neighbourhoods of their hosts. And no I am not interested in russian racism etc this has nothing to do with this as despeciable as this is. Assuming the russians are th3 guilty party why is it that the opposing party just happens to be the english fans

Benteke you are absolutely correct, when the inquest came out blastimg th3 police and absolvimg the fans at hilsborough I laughed. Revisionist justice at work. English fans are are the cream of the crop when it comes to football disorder. How anyone can give them benefit of doubt is beyond me.

[The YeyeMan]

Yeyeman with all due respect I dont get how you are so resolute in your defense of the english. They more than the russians have well documented histories of %$#@^& up the neighbourhoods of their hosts. And no I am not interested in russian racism etc this has nothing to do with this as despeciable as this is. Assuming the russians are th3 guilty party why is it that the opposing party just happens to be the english fans

Benteke you are absolutely correct, when the inquest came out blastimg th3 police and absolvimg the fans at hilsborough I laughed. Revisionist justice at work. English fans are are the cream of the crop when it comes to football disorder. How anyone can give them benefit of doubt is beyond me.

The English have a checkered and often deplorable history with fans behavior abroad. It should be obvious that I'm not defending the English here - what I'm doing is highlighting the Russian hooligans who have shown more sinister and deadly intent than the English. English hooligans attacking French police is one thing; Russian hooligans attacking English fans at random is something else.

If trouble breaks out between the Russians and Slovaks later this week will you come here to tell us that the English are the guilty party?

[The YeyeMan]

This Russians are crazy i might give the next world cup a miss. Crazy people

I have no interest in going to Russia for the World Cup. Or Qatar for that matter. I've been going to international tournaments since 1998 and that will be the Russia World Cup will be the first where I won't even bother applying for tickets.

If I get time, I will be in Qatar and Russia for the World cup.

Just seeing this.... send me a postcard.

[bret- hart]

See black man participating in the riots. He stands out as an obvious target for racist thugs

When people say blacks/Africans are a lost people now I see why. That angel* is an easy target for the Russians. Smh.

[Coach]

^He has a crucifix sketched onto his chest. A knight templar perhaps. Crusading. A detailed survey of the above shows no more than a group of louts posing for profile pictures. How many are snapshotting? Stereotypical, arms spread, barechested, beer bellied posture of the lad abroad. No order, no organisation, no respect for anonymity, no coordinating colours, hooligans, hardly. Few if any of the above, can lay claim to such inglorious title. This is a bunch of p*ssed up imbeciles, riding high on the machismo of alcohol and number. Idiots, vandals, organised fighters? Nonsense.

[tfco]

^He has a crucifix sketched onto his chest. A knight templar perhaps. Crusading. A detailed survey of the above shows no more than a group of louts posing for profile pictures. How many are snapshotting? Stereotypical, arms spread, barechested, beer bellied posture of the lad abroad. No order, no organisation, no respect for anonymity, no coordinating colours, hooligans, hardly. Few if any of the above, can lay claim to such inglorious title. This is a bunch of p*ssed up imbeciles, riding high on the machismo of alcohol and number. Idiots, vandals, organised fighters? Nonsense.

*Snapchatting

"Bring it on. 2 WW and a WC and all that"

Well the Russians brought it...

[Prince]

^He has a crucifix sketched onto his chest. A knight templar perhaps. Crusading. A detailed survey of the above shows no more than a group of louts posing for profile pictures. How many are snapshotting? Stereotypical, arms spread, barechested, beer bellied posture of the lad abroad. No order, no organisation, no respect for anonymity, no coordinating colours, hooligans, hardly. Few if any of the above, can lay claim to such inglorious title. This is a bunch of p*ssed up imbeciles, riding high on the machismo of alcohol and number. Idiots, vandals, organised fighters? Nonsense.

*Snapchatting

"Bring it on. 2 WW and a WC and all that"

Well the Russians brought it...

We will beat them back to Siberia All the English Fans wanted to do was save the frogs......the next game will be in Lens/Lille..... we shall be better prepared

[Cristao II]

One thing I will mention - if these were Africans and/or the scenes in Africa - some people on CE will be calling their fellow Africans - animals, barbaric and other disgraceful names while calling for the ban of those nations.

[Comrade Machel]

I really hope they clash again. I love a good riot

[Coach]

@Tf, the Onopkos have come prepared and ready. The English presence is anything but regimental. The thoroughbreds have all been detained in Beth's bosom. Few FAs have as active a anti-hooliganism initiative as the English. Skirmishes still make it to the battlefield, but by and large, the project has managed to cut the numbers down significantly. If rumours are to believed, the Lords of the Manors are said to be working a way to the knees up. It's said passports haven't been seized but mugshots are in circulation. The Old Regiment can still get there but with restraining orders. France has no idea what's floating in the seas towards its waters. There's high chance of a big, organised all-in. The Russian bear has flashed it's claws early, the shameless standard has been set. The Rotterdam boys, interpol's ineptitude allowing, may lay their wager. Don't count out the Itals, few love a stab wound more than those maniacs.

France has got its hands full and needs to call this all to order before it spirals way out of control.

[cic old boy]

This thread reminds me of comedian Russ Abbot saying "I went to a fight and football match broke out".

Football hooliganism is called "the English disease" for good reason. The disease may have spread to other countries, but the English were the heavyweight champions of hooliganism for years. They inspired other sets of hoolies and b/c of their reputation, hoolies from other countries want to take on the English and outfight them.

The notion that hooliganism has been curtailed in England is a half-truth. The big money, corporate world of the EPL has introduced many measures to ensure the people watching around the world don't see sporadic outbreaks of football breaking out on the pitch in-between fighting in the stands. Things like numbered seats, CCTV, police "spotters" mingling with the crowds, pre-match intelligence, etc have stopped the fighting in the stands. Policing on match days is a massive operation costing millions of pounds. But the hoolies never went away.

Some of the hardcore have grown older, many of the younger ones have been priced out of games, while others have thought it is now becoming more difficult for "firms" to organise fights. B/c of the ease in which they can be identified by the cops in England, many hoolies prefer to take their act abroad, esp during tournaments.

The interesting thing about hoolies is that possibly a majority do not support the major EPL clubs. They tend to be fans of the likes of Halifax, Scunthorpe, Doncaster Rovers, etc. Unlike the supporters of the major clubs, that are in Europe every year following their clubs, the hoolie from Doncaster only gets a chance to "invade" Europe during tournaments.

Most of them would not have tickets for the matches. They just gather in the bars in the cities where England play. Most of these lowlifes generally think they are better than their hosts ("If it wasn't for the English you'd be Krauts" - one of their favourite chants), generally think they are reliving WW2 ("10 German bombers in the air, And the RAF from England shot one down") and are not remotely bothered by armed anti-riot police as they are with the unarmed British bobby with his radio who knows where you live.

The British cops that follow the hoolies abroad help shape the narrative that their European colleagues are not as competent. They think the guns, teargas, body armour, etc "provoke" rather than contain the hooliganism. So you always seem to get the story that the foreign policing was "heavy handed, wrong", etc. The British cops also, at the first sight of trouble, try to deflect attention from any of their own failures by blaming others. If it is clear that the English were the troublemakers, questions would be asked whether the officers that followed the fans to France were holidaying there instead. The theory that the trouble is usually caused by a minority of hardcore hoolies is true to some degree. It may be orchestrated by a few, but the "lads", who may not be hoolies, tend to join in smashing things up after a few drinks.

We obviously haven't seen these scenes recently b/c the tournaments have been in places the hoolies couldn't afford to go. France is just like next door for them.

My theory on what happened is that the English were at their destructive "best" in the period leading up to match day in the bars around the city. Most of the people involved in the throwing of bottles and being teargassed are unlikely to have gone to the match. I think the Russians rushed the English at the stadium b/c of England's reputation as top dogs when it comes to hooliganism. The Russian hoolies were probably trying to show them that there are new kids on the block. My guess would be that the trouble at the stadium would not have happened if Russia were playing anyone else.

The black guy in the pics above probably doesn't think he is black. He most likely doesn't have any black friends. His "mates" would likely tell him stuff about black people but reassure him that he's not like them.

Uefa would want England out pretty soon so that people can just talk about the football. But they also know that the sponsors, advertisers, drinks industry, bars and pubs associated with the event want the English to go far. England fans are most likely the highest number among the travelling support in France.

[Vincent.]

The violence is spreading. Imagine if this happened during the Africa Cup of Nations. I remember when a few Angolan fans charged opponents in a stadium during the Africa Cup of Nations, European media reports almost portrayed African fans as savages...

Germany and Ukraine fans clash as French authorities threaten to expel hooligans
http://www.dw.com/en/germany-and-ukrain ... a-19325840

The French interior ministry confirmed it has expeled three visiting fans as violence overshadows the start of the Euro 2016. Security has been further ramped up with the potential for more violence this week.

France's Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve has instructed local officials to hand out expulsion orders to "all foreign supporters whose behavior disturbs public order" as violence hits many of the host cities at the European Championships.

In the latest incidents of violence in Lille, around 50 German hooligans attacked Ukrainian fans ahead of their group stage encounter on Sunday. Two fans received minor injuries in the clashes, while local authorities were able to control the situation quickly.

French police have arrested 116 people and there are worries about continued violence between Russian and English hooligans, with the sides playing in cities 30 kilometers (19 miles) apart. Fans inside Marseille’s Stade Veledrome on Saturday were forced to flee as Russian fans crossed a security cordon to attack English supporters.

UEFA, Europe's governing body, has also threatened to suspend England and Russia from the tournament, if violence continues. A statement said that punishments include, "the potential disqualification of their respective teams from the tournament."

France has been in a state of emergency since the November attacks, which killed 130 people in Paris. Security has been heightened amid concerns over a potential attack at Euro 2016, which began on Friday.

Speaking about the decision to expel some of the foreign supporters, Cazeneuve said: "Their actions distract the police from their primary mission, which is to protect our country from the terrorist threat."

French sports newspaper L'Equipe reported that 150 known German hooligans have travelled to France, while around 18 from Dresden were arrested as they attempted to cross the border.

[Prince]

This is how Europe used to settle their fights in the good old days apparently the only place UK don't fight is in Holland where they are distracted by other stuff.

[Eclipse]

CIC...trouble would have happened whether russia was playing the english or not. These guys are Hooligans and love nothing more than a good all in punch up. You have to understand that the french organisers and police have been caught with their pants down around their ankles.Any hooligan worth his salt will realise the french police are not prepared for them. I was in Marseille back in 98 to watch an england game and the french police did the exact same thing. They do not relise they are dealing with some very well organised fighting groups ala the Russian lot so bog standard teargas and riot tactics won't cut it!

Finally, as coach rightly pointed out, the Dutch, Italian mob and lord knows who else will be rubbing their hands in glee at whats to come and I fully expect "reinforcements" from all participants to make a bee line to france for the tournament. This is about to get REALLY UGLY!!

[Comrade Machel]

CIC...trouble would have happened whether russia was playing the english or not. These guys are Hooligans and love nothing more than a good all in punch up. You have to understand that the french organisers and police have been caught with their pants down around their ankles.Any hooligan worth his salt will realise the french police are not prepared for them. I was in Marseille back in 98 to watch an england game and the french police did the exact same thing. They do not relise they are dealing with some very well organised fighting groups ala the Russian lot so bog standard teargas and riot tactics won't cut it!

Finally, as coach rightly pointed out, the Dutch, Italian mob and lord knows who else will be rubbing their hands in glee at whats to come and I fully expect "reinforcements" from all participants to make a bee line to france for the tournament. This is about to get REALLY UGLY!!

Utter nonsense. You must believe everything you read in english/british media. The french police are in a difficult situation. if they meet force with force they will be accused of being heavy handed by the pompous Brits hence the soft tactics they have enployed thus far

Let them fight i say. Its better than watching the rubbish football we have seen

[Prince]

CIC...trouble would have happened whether russia was playing the english or not. These guys are Hooligans and love nothing more than a good all in punch up. You have to understand that the french organisers and police have been caught with their pants down around their ankles.Any hooligan worth his salt will realise the french police are not prepared for them. I was in Marseille back in 98 to watch an england game and the french police did the exact same thing. They do not relise they are dealing with some very well organised fighting groups ala the Russian lot so bog standard teargas and riot tactics won't cut it!

Finally, as coach rightly pointed out, the Dutch, Italian mob and lord knows who else will be rubbing their hands in glee at whats to come and I fully expect "reinforcements" from all participants to make a bee line to france for the tournament. This is about to get REALLY UGLY!!

Utter nonsense. You must believe everything you read in english/british media. The french police are in a difficult situation. if they meet force with force they will be accused of being heavy handed by the pompous Brits hence the soft tactics they have enployed thus far

Let them fight i say. Its better than watching the rubbish football we have seen

Eclipse is right, the French police were soft and really underrated the situation, when it now got out of hand they startedover reacting. If it was the Germans or Dutch police the level of organisation is usually better and they are always ready for this guys.

I remember when we had the tour of the BayernMunich stadium, they evenhad a holding cell in the stadium.

[benteke]

CIC...trouble would have happened whether russia was playing the english or not. These guys are Hooligans and love nothing more than a good all in punch up. You have to understand that the french organisers and police have been caught with their pants down around their ankles.Any hooligan worth his salt will realise the french police are not prepared for them. I was in Marseille back in 98 to watch an england game and the french police did the exact same thing. They do not relise they are dealing with some very well organised fighting groups ala the Russian lot so bog standard teargas and riot tactics won't cut it!

Finally, as coach rightly pointed out, the Dutch, Italian mob and lord knows who else will be rubbing their hands in glee at whats to come and I fully expect "reinforcements" from all participants to make a bee line to france for the tournament. This is about to get REALLY UGLY!!

Utter nonsense. You must believe everything you read in english/british media. The french police are in a difficult situation. if they meet force with force they will be accused of being heavy handed by the pompous Brits hence the soft tactics they have enployed thus far

Let them fight i say. Its better than watching the rubbish football we have seen

The British are sore losers, they are always making the most noise, but this time the got a nice beating and it doesn't sit well with them and their press
They are always innocent, we must accept the numerous excuses blaming everyone else except British hooligans

[platinum]

It's not just the Brits though. Germans, Ukrainians, French, Russians, etc etc....Europe is spoiling for a good war.