France ban alcohol near Euro 2016 venues after violence; England, Russia receive disqualification warnings

Paris: After three days of drunken violence among fans — mostly between traveling English and Russian supporters — in the southern city of Marseille, the French government on Sunday announced a ban on alcohol near Euro 2016 venues and fan zones.

Confirming the new development, France's Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve said, "I have asked for all necessary measures to be taken to prohibit the sale, consumption and transport of alcoholic drinks in sensitive areas on match days and the day before, and on days when fan zones are open."

Earlier on the day, UEFA warned both Russia and England to control their respective fans or face the prospect of disqualification from the European Championship finals.

The UEFA executive committee made a public "warning" in a statement which expressed "disgust for the violent clashes which occurred in the city of Marseille" this weekend.

On top of any punishment ordered by an investigation committee, the executive committee said "it will not hesitate to impose additional sanctions on the Football Association (FA) and the Russian Football Union (RFU), including the potential disqualification of their respective teams from the tournament, should such violence occur again."

Dozens of people were hurt in three days of clashes in Marseille and at the Stade Velodrome after the England-Russia match on Saturday which ended in a 1-1 draw.

UEFA earlier charged Russia with misconduct over the role of its fans in the unrest.

Russia was charged with crowd disturbances, racist behaviour and letting off fireworks.

The result of the inquiry and sanctions are to be announced on Tuesday.

Russia`s next game is in Lille, northern France, on Wednesday against Slovakia. England`s next Group B game against Wales in nearby Lens on Thursday has been classed as a high-risk game by the French authorities.

(With Agency inputs)