Russia fined by UEFA

Russia were hit by yet another UEFA fine today following more extremist behaviour by their fans at the European Championship.

The Football Union of Russia (RFS) were fined €35,000 for the conduct of their supporters during what proved to be the country’s final match at the tournament against Greece last Saturday.

All Russia’s games in Poland and Ukraine were marred by the displaying of “illicit banners” and “the setting off and throwing of fireworks by spectators” earning them a total fine of just under €186,500.

They were also handed a suspended six-point deduction from their Euro 2016 qualifying campaign after a large group of their fans viciously attacked a handful of stewards after their opening Group A game against the Czech Republic.

The RFS appealed against that and the €120,000 fine imposed upon them for that incident and illicit banner and fireworks offences.

That was after they were also fined €30,000 following similar problems during their second group match against Poland.

UEFA had also been separately investigating allegations monkey chants were directed by Russian fans towards Czech defender Theodor Gebre Selassie, one of several racism claims to have marred Euro 2012.

Today's sanctions heaped further embarrassment on Russia, who are under increasing pressure to deal with fan problems having been named hosts for the 2018 World Cup.

Meanwhile, disciplinary proceedings were opened against the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) today after a fan allegedly attempted a pitch invasion during their quarter-final win over the Czech Republic on Thursday.

UEFA’s Control and Disciplinary Body will deal with the case on Monday.