Euro 2012 - Russia 6-Point Deduction?

13 June 2012 22:57
Russia are playing under the threat of a six-point deduction for their 2016 European Championship qualifying campaign over the behaviour of their fans.

The Football Union of Russia (RFS) were also fined 120,000 euros (£96,761) for the violent, offensive and unsafe conduct of their supporters during their opening Euro 2012 Group A match against Czech Republic on Friday.

Violence erupted at the game when a handful of stewards were attacked by large group of fans in a walkway in the 40,000-capacity Municipal Stadium.

Supporters in the stands also set off and threw fireworks, as well as displaying a nationalist 'Russian Empire' flag, something which has been associated with the far right.

UEFA said in a statement: "The UEFA Control and Disciplinary Body has today decided to impose a deduction of six points on the Football Union of Russia (RFS) in the qualifying round of the next UEFA European Football Championship.

"This decision is suspended for a probationary period running from now until the end of the play-offs of the next UEFA European Football Championship (UEFA Euro 2016).

"The Football Union of Russia (RFS) has also been fined 120,000 euros.

"The RFS was facing charges for the improper conduct of its supporters (crowd disturbances), the setting off and throwing of fireworks and the display of illicit banners at last Friday's UEFA Euro 2012 Group A match against the Czech Republic in Wroclaw.

"An appeal can be lodged against this decision within three days of the dispatch of the written decision."

Source: FOOTYMAD