Euro 2016: Uefa launches investigation after violent clashes at Stade Velodrome

Uefa has begun disciplinary proceedings against Russia for crowd disturbances and racist behaviour. There have been three days of clashes between rival supporters, culminating in Russian fans attacking England supporters in Marseille, following three days of clashes between rival fans and police.

On the evening of Saturday 12 June, there were scenes of violence at the Stade Velodrome, as Russian fans broke through the barriers dividing supporters and attacked England supporters in the group B match between the teams.

One England fan is in a critical condition and 20 were treated in hospital after earlier clashes in the southern French city, said French police.

Russian supporters let off flares and then appeared to charge at and attack England supporters, who fled the violence, stampeding for the exits. The spread of violence to the football stadium means Uefa can launch an investigation and impose a punishment, as the body has the right to hold national federations and clubs responsible for their fans behaviour inside stadiums.

Russian Sports Minister Vitaly Mutko said on Sunday: "We will have a fine from Uefa, so I understand. We behaved incorrectly," R-Sport news agency reported. He added that Russian officials will investigate the incident, adding there were many "nuances."

Russian fans have a poor record of misconduct at games, and the national side narrowly avoided a six point fine that would have seen them barred from the European Championships. They received a suspended six point deduction after their fans were involved in violence and displayed illicit banners at a number of matches in 2012.

A fine of 120,000 euros ($150,000) for the disorder was maintained though. Uefa has been criticised for poor segregation and inadequate staffing at the match, where many feared violence would flare ahead of the game.

There were reports earlier in the day of gangs of black-clad Russian fans systematically attacking England supporters in the city. The behaviour of England fans has also been criticised, with fans engaged in running battles with police on Friday night and Saturday.

Shadow Home Secretary Andy Burnham said England fans had been "let down by a minority", who may have been provoked but were "not blameless."