More football fans arrested in France as England and Russia supporters clash again

Dozens of football fans have been arrested once again in France after another outbreak of violence on Wednesday, this time in northern city Lille.

Trouble kicked off last weekend at Euro 2016 as rival groups of fans from the English and Russian national teams clashed in Marseille, both on the streets, and in the Stade Velodrome itself. Large groups of Russian hooligans were deported, and both teamsd threatened by Uefa with disqualification if further violence ensued.

At least 36 arrests were made on Wednesday in Lille as hundreds of French riot police later charged at groups of England fans who continued to congregate after the early clashes as bottles were hurled.

At least 36 arrests were made on Wednesday in Lille

The disturbance continued well into last night in northern French city, as 16 people were hospitalised during the events. Tear gas was used by the security forces in the area in order disperse the crowds late into the night.

England play Wales in th nearby city of Lens today, after Russia fell to defeat against Slovakia in Group B last night.

A small group of England fans in their late teens said that their Russian counterparts had started the trouble by charging at a larger knot of around 200 England fans drinking outside Le Prize pub, 100 metres from the main square.

According to a report in The Guardian, hundreds of England fans had been drinking in the bar during the day, and the trouble escalated as Russian fans returned back from their game with Slovakia.

Trouble escalated as Russian fans returned back from their game with Slovakia

"A loud bang from a flare or firework appeared to be the signal for a small group of Russians to charge at England fans, some of whom had mounted a parked car. England and Wales fans then chased the Russians through the streets, with large numbers of police in hot pursuit," according to the report.

Lille has cracked down on alcohol sales as supermarket and shops face a ban until Friday morning in order to avoid bottles being used as missiles, as well as pubs in the area being forced to close at midnight.

FA chief executive Martin Glenn wrote to fans this week asking them not to respond to provocation by rival groups of fans.

“We recognise that some of you were subjected to acts of violence from rival supporters in the stadium last weekend. It is something we take very seriously and while tens of thousands of you acted impeccably, there was a minority that did not,” Glenn wrote. “Like the England team, you represent the badge and I urge you to act in a positive and respectful way.”