Euro 2016: Russia faces Uefa probe after England match violence

Uefa has begun disciplinary proceedings against Russia's Football Union after "totally unacceptable" scenes at Saturday's England-Russia game.

Footage appeared to show Russia fans rush at England supporters after the 1-1 Euro 2016 draw in Marseille.

Charges against Russia are for crowd disturbances, racist behaviour, and setting off fireworks, Uefa confirmed.

There were issues with segregation of fans, the body admitted, promising security would be "strengthened".

Witnesses said trouble began in the stadium after flares were let off by Russian fans near the end of the game.

Some then climbed across barriers designed to keep rival fans apart, and a number of Russia supporters appeared to kick and punch fleeing England fans.

'Security issues'

Earlier on Sunday, Russia's Sports Minister Vitaly Mutko said he was expecting Uefa to announce it would fine Russia.

"We behaved incorrectly," R-Sport news agency reported him as saying.

But he added there were "many nuances" to what happened, and Russian officials would investigate.

Sanctions will be decided at a disciplinary meeting on Tuesday, once the Russians had been able to submit written statements and evidence, Uefa said.

In statement, the football's European governing body expressed "utter disgust for the violent clashes that occurred in the city centre of Marseille, and its serious concern for the incidents at the end of the match inside Stade Velodrome".

"This kind of behaviour is totally unacceptable and has no place in football," it said.

"Corrective measures" to strengthen the deployment of security personnel would be implemented, it added.

Uefa said it had not taken any action against the English FA, saying skirmishes involving England fans in Marseille's Old Port area before kick-off fell outside its remit.

Police in riot gear clashed with England fans in the city and used tear gas for a third day, as well as water cannon, as fist fights and bottle throwing broke out.

As many as 20 England fans were injured, with a number taken to hospital, and at least one Briton is understood to be in a critical condition.

There were also clashes in the city of Nice between police and fans from Northern Ireland and Poland, who are due to play their opening match later on Sunday. Six people were reportedly injured, before order was restored.

'Extreme violence'

Speaking earlier, shadow home secretary Andy Burnham said the security issues inside the stadium needed to be addressed immediately.

The MP had previously criticised England fans behaviour in the build up to the match, but said in the stadium incident England fans were subjected to "pretty extreme violence" from Russia supporters which appeared to be orchestrated.

"Those things need to be addressed immediately, because there is a lot more football to be played and we cannot have people inside stadiums fearing for their safety."

He also called for the UK government to respond to the incident with a statement in Parliament to clarify the facts.