Russia’s woes continue as UEFA slams third fine

Posted by admin Soccer, Sports Saturday, June 23rd, 2012

WARSAW (AFP) – The Russian football federation’s problems with UEFA off the pitch continued on Saturday as they were fined for the third time for their fans misbehaviour during Euro 2012.

The Russian federation were fined 35,000 euros ($44,000 28,000 pounds) for crowd trouble at their final Euro 2012 group stage match against Greece.

That takes the total the Russians have been fined at the tournament to 195,000 euros over their fans rowdy and aggressive behaviour during the finals which saw them exit at the group stage despite being one of the favourites for the title.

“The Football Union of Russia (RFS) has been fined 35,000 euros by the UEFA Control and Disciplinary Body for the setting off and throwing of fireworks by spectators, and displaying of illicit banners” at the June 16 game, a statement said.

The fine comes on top of the 120,000 euros that UEFA ordered the RFS to pay after similar problems during the country’s first group stage match against the Czech Republic on June 8.

That also saw the threat of a six-point deducion for Russia’s Euro 2016 qualifying campaign if there were a repeat of further trouble.

An appeal has been lodged against that suspended sanction, which if imposed could scupper Russia’s chances of reaching the finals in France in four years’ time.

During the Czech match, which Russia won 4-1, fans displayed potentially inflammatory “Russian Empire” flags, which can be seen as deeply provocative in parts of Eastern Europe that used to be under Moscow’s thumb, including Poland.

Four volunteer stadium stewards were also beaten up and required hospital treatment after the match.

Russia and Poland were each fined 30,000 euros after fireworks were set off and thrown during their highly-charged group match in Warsaw on June 12, while Russia was also penalised for illicit banners and an attempted pitch invasion.

-Vanguardwp_posts