Violence at Euro 2016 - Keep them out!

It has been an exceptional weekend of sport — after all, it’s not too often that Ireland, or any other country, beats the Springboks and the All Blacks on the same day.

What a sadness it is, then, that the thuggery involving English and Russian fans at Euro 2016 should cast a shadow over what should be a carnival of sport and friendship.

Uefa’s executive committee has warned that England and Russia might be expelled from the competition if there is another outbreak of hooliganism by their fans.

If that threat is made real, it seems less than likely that England’s exit from the tournament will be decided by their footballers.

This is a double tragedy as English supporters of other sports — like those in Australia for England’s impressive win — behave in a way that enhances, rather than destroys their reputation.

Every cloud has a silver lining though. The mindset behind England’s soccer thugs is echoed in many of the arguments made by those who wish Britain would quit the EU.

If Britain does leave, then border controls will offer a new opportunity to deny the thugs the access they so regularly abuse.