Russian FA hits out at UEFA decision

WARSAW - The Associated Press / Reuters

A Polish fan (R) challenges Russian supporters in Warsaw. Russia says it will appeal UEFA decision to dock the team six points in the Euro 2016 qualifying. REUTERS photo

Russia will appeal UEFA’s decision to dock the team six points in qualifying for the next European Championship if its fans misbehave again, the Russian football federation said yesterday.

UEFA acted after disturbances at Russia’s opening Euro 2012 game against the Czech Republic on June 8 where Russian fans set off and threw fireworks and displayed illicit banners at the Group A match in Wroclaw which Dick Advocaat’s team won 4-1.

“The Russian football federation is entitled to prepare and submit a written appeal against UEFA’s decision and this will be done within the allotted time for this procedure,” the federation said in a statement on its website. “The federation will do all it can to ensure the national team avoids such a severe punishment.”

Russian and Polish fans also clashed before the second Group A game in Warsaw on June 12, which prompted European football’s governing body to open another disciplinary case.

The Russian federation, which on June 10 issued a joint appeal with the team urging fans to behave, said it would seek compensation from troublemakers if UEFA imposed fines to punish misbehaving supporters. Warsaw police say eight people have been convicted in summary procedures and 125 will go before courts following street fights.

Wojciech Malek, a court spokesman, said yesterday the charges for those convicted include assaulting police officers and “taking part in illegal gatherings.”