Russia handed suspended disqualifcation as fans sent home

Russia have been handed a suspended disqualification from Euro 2016 and dozens of fans have been deported after mass crowd violence during their game with England in the Stade Velodrome in Marseille on Saturday.

The Russian Football Union were also hit with a 150,000 euro fine and threatened that the suspension will be removed if their supporters instigate any more violence in French stadiums.

According to French police, they are planning to deport up to 50 Russian fans who are thought to have been involved in the violent scenes inside the stadium and in the port area of the southern French city.

“The independent Uefa Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body (CEDB) met today in Paris to deal with the disciplinary proceedings opened against the Russian Football Union (RFU) following the incidents which occurred inside the Stade Velodrome in Marseille, at the Uefa Euro 2016 match against England on 11 June (1-1)," a Uefa statement read on Tuesday.

It continues, "Charges relating to crowd disturbances, use of fireworks and racist behaviour had been brought against the RFU, and the CEDB decided to impose the following sanctions: 1) A fine of €150,000. 2)A suspended disqualification of the Russian national team from Uefa Euro 2016 for the crowd disturbances."

Uefa also confirmed that they cannot hold to account those who perpetrated violence outside of their stadiums, saying that the decision "only relates to the incidents which occurred inside the stadium and are therefore under the jurisdiction of the Uefa Disciplinary Bodies."

Meanwhile, Russian football officials have downplayed their fans' actions, with one even praising the acts of his countrymen. Igor Lebedev said that the hooligans had defended the country's honour and should be forgiven.

In a tweet on Monday, Lebedev wrote: "I don't see anything wrong with the fans fighting. Quite the opposite, well done lads, keep it up!"