Euro 2016: Russia thugs to be investigated by Uefa for fighting, racist behaviour and setting off fireworks in England clash
RUSSIA fans will be investigated by Uefa after shocking scenes of violence following their game against England.
European football's governing body expressed its "utter disgust" at supporters charging at Three Lions fans after the 1-1 draw.
Uefa bosses will open proceedings against the Russian Football Union following alleged "crowd disturbances, racist behaviour and the setting off of fireworks" last night in Marseilles.
But they will not investigate any case against the English FA.
European bosses will reach a decision on whether to charge Russia - who host the 2018 World Cup - on Tuesday, the day before Leonid Slutsky's side play Slovakia in Lille.
A Uefa statement read: "Uefa expressed its utter disgust for the violent clashes that occurred in the city centre of Marseilles, and its serious concern for the incidents at the end of the match inside Stade Velodrome.
"This kind of behaviour is totally unacceptable and has no place in football.
"Disciplinary proceedings have been opened against the Russian Football Union for the following events occurring inside the stadium: crowd disturbances, setting off of fireworks and throwing of missiles.
"A decision on the sanctions to be imposed will be made within the next few days, once the RFU has been able to submit written statements and evidence.
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"Uefa acknowledges that there were segregation issues at Stade Velodrome and will implement corrective measures to strengthen the deployment of security personnel at stadiums, in close collaboration with local authorities."
The governing body's decision to take action against Russia makes a mockery of Vitaly Mutko's claim that there was no violence at the end of the 1-1 draw.
Russia's sports minister said: "There was no clash. That's being exaggerated. In fact, everything is fine here."
He then backtracked, insisting Uefa's decision to investigate the RFU was the right decision, admitting fans "behaved improperly" and that he "understood" Russia would be fined by Uefa.
He said: "It's the right thing, there were flares, there was a flare gun, there had been clashes in the stands, it's necessary to sort all of this out.
"We will prepare properly, we will present out position. The fans were rooting greatly, but there are people who do not come for the football."
It also exposes the folly of one Spanish newspaper editorial calling for England to be kicked out of Euro 2016.
The respected AS said Three Lions supporters were "barbarous hordes" and that they should have stayed at home.
Fifa also released a statement condemning the "shameful scenes" between "idiotic troublemakers" in France.
A spokeswoman said: "Fifa strongly condemns any form of violence and finds it wholly unacceptable to see such shameful scenes around football matches perpetrated by a minority of idiotic troublemakers."