Russia striker Artem Dzyuba yesterday hit out at English fans following trouble in Marseille, saying that they were being depicted as "angels" and that there were political motivations for blaming Russian supporters
Artem Dzyuba
Russian fans crossed security barriers inside the Stade Velodrome and attacked England fans. The Zenit St Petersburg forward indicated that there was a campaign to take the 2018 World Cup away from the country. "I cannot affirm it, but it is possible, it is probable. We see the things that the British media are talking about, about the 2018 World Cup and that it should be taken away from Russia, so these are thoughts I have sometimes.
Artem Dzyuba
It is 50-50 and in every conflict there are two parts. I am not saying only Russians are at fault," added Dzyuba UEFA warns Russia Meanwhile, UEFA told Russia it would be kicked out of the European Championship if its fans cause more stadium trouble. Europe’s governing body ordered the "suspended disqualification" of the team and fined the Russian Football Union 150,000 euros ($170,000).
Russia’s Sports Minister Vitaly Mutko said they accepted the UEFA ruling. "We will comply with UEFA’s decision. What other position can there be?" he said, before later describing the punishment as "excessive".
