36 arrested and 16 in hospital after latest Euro 2016 violence

At least 36 people were arrested in Lille yesterday (Wednesday) after further altercations between French police and English and Russian fans.
Wayne Rooney has urged England fans to behave in a respectful manner this week.Wayne Rooney has urged England fans to behave in a respectful manner this week.
Wayne Rooney has urged England fans to behave in a respectful manner this week.

According to reports 16 people were hospitalised during the day and the troubles continued late into the night.

With Russia playing Slovakia in Lille on Wednesday, and England set to face Wales in nearby Lens a day later, there was always a chance that more incidents would occur.

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French authorities had drafted in extra help but skirmishes began after Russia’s clash with Slovakia, a 2-1 victory for the Slovaks.

While for much of the day there was little trouble, once the Russians returned from the ground, chants of “Russia’s going home” and other taunting appeared to spark the latest trouble.

Russian fans charged at the large contingent of English fans, who had spent most of the day drinking, and the police were forced to step in, clearing the area using tear gas.

Later in the evening, with predominantly England fans left, the police again had to intervene after bottles were thrown at them, with an alcohol ban in shops in the city, which has been in place since Tuesday evening, not appearing to have entirely calmed matters.

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England take on Wales in Lens today, kicking off at 3pm local time.

Their fans have been urged to behave in a respectful manner this week, both by Roy Hodgson and Wayne Rooney, as well as FA chief executive Martin Glenn.

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