Back to the International Newsfeed

Putin: I don't understand how 200 Russians could beat up thousands of English

The Russian president could not resist a dig at English fans as he spoke out against the violence, and called on authorities to treat all offenders in the same manner

Vladimir Putin has condemned the hooliganism involving Russian and English fans that has marred Euro 2016, but suggested he cannot comprehend how his outnumbered countrymen "beat up several thousand English".

Trouble flared on the streets of Marseille and inside the Stade Velodrome before, during and after Russia's Group B opener against England last Saturday.

A group of 20 Russians, including the leader of the All-Russia Supporters Union Alexander Shprygin, have also been deported from France as a result of their role in the incidents.