Artem Dzyuba

Russia, Slovakia clash under increased scrutiny after expulsion threat

Published Jun. 15, 2016 6:11 a.m. ET

foxsports

Russia's Group B match with Slovakia will come under increased scrutiny in Lille as the country has the threat of Euro 2016 expulsion hanging over it.

The Russian Football Union (RFU) was handed a suspended disqualification - plus a fine of Â£119,000 - in relation to crowd disturbances, use of fireworks and racist behavior inside Marseille's Stade Velodrome in Saturday's 1-1 draw with England.

UEFA's control, ethics and disciplinary body's sanctions mean any further disorder at their remaining matches will see Russia kicked out of the tournament.

Coach Leonid Slutsky is confident that will not happen.

"We are sure we are not going to be kicked out. There will not be any injustice," said Slutsky in a press conference.

Striker Artem Dzyuba believes it would be "stupid" if Russia were to be sent home having now had a warning.

"We don't want to be disqualified for this situation. It's the 21st century," he said.

"Our supporters have to focus on supporting us and we have to show our best qualities.

"We want to be here and it would be a stupid thing and a big disappointment for the whole country if we go out.

"This is not a street-fighting championship, it's the European football championship."

However, UEFA's sanctions apply only to incidents inside grounds and the majority of the trouble at the weekend happened in the city center.

Football Association chairman Greg Dyke wrote to UEFA on Monday to complain stewarding at England's match with Russia was "unacceptable" and express "serious concerns" about security arrangements ahead of the clash with Wales in Lens on Thursday.

UEFA has subsequently replied expressing its desire to work jointly with the FA and the authorities to address the issues raised in the letter.

There remains a concern of potential trouble in Lille, though, as many England fans are staying there because of its proximity to Lens.

More British police officers trained in football disorder are being deployed to France.

Home Secretary Theresa May briefed the Cabinet on the move, including the deployment of additional British Transport Police officers on rail services around the area, following a request from the French authorities.

Fabienne Buccio, prefect of the Pas-de-Calais region, said Lens would be "in lockdown".

He added: "We will have a strong police presence with more than 1,200 police officers present in Lens and you can add 1,200 more with the private security that will be mobilized that day.

"They will be present in the stands ready in order to intervene quickly in the stadium if there are clashes between supporters."

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