Attacks by Russian hooligans against England fans at last year’s European Championships in Marseilles left more than 130 supporters injured Times photographer Jack HillThousands of England fans are preparing to travel to Russia next year having become the first home nation to qualify for the football World Cup, despite warnings of violence. Attacks by Russian hooligans against England fans during last year’s European Championships in Marseilles left two supporters in a coma and more than 130 others injured, three critically. Security experts claimed that Russian special forces were ordered by President Putin to infiltrate the spectators in Marseilles to demonstrate Russian superiority. Vladimir Markin, head of the Russian Football Union’s security committee, praised his nation’s behaviour in Marseilles, saying that French police were “amazed” to see “real men” from Russia as they are only used to policing gay parades. Many fans will not make a decision on travelling…

Source: The Times October 06, 2017 23:03 UTC