A Russian lawmaker has proposed an unorthodox solution to the country's problems with soccer hooliganism ahead of next year's World Cup -- legalize it and make it a spectator sport. Organized groups of Russian fans, many with martial arts training, fought English fans on the streets of Marseille during last year's European Championship. He also claimed it would serve as an "example" for English fans, who he characterized as undisciplined louts and poor fighters. He hailed the violence in Marseille last year, telling Russian fans: "Well done lads, keep it up!" Despite his enthusiasm for soccer-related violence, Lebedev insisted Russian policing meant foreign fans wouldn't be in danger at the World Cup.

Source: Fox News March 05, 2017 19:52 UTC