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'Fan battles can become a sport' - Russian MP outlines plans for football hooliganism

Following criticism of Russia supporters' conduct at Euro 2016, politician Igor Lebedev has suggested taking advantage of supporters clashing

Russian MP Igor Lebedev has proposed that football fans should turn fighting into a sport after criticism of hooliganism in the country.

With Russia hosting the World Cup next year, the country has come under scrutiny for its fan culture following incidents involving their supporters at Euro 2016.

Now, though, Lebedev is suggesting that fighting between fans could become a spectator sport if they "introduce rules and conduct team competitions".

"Given that our fans are fighters - but not hooligans - fan battles can be turned into a sport," he told his political party's website.