Euro 2016 Marseille Violence Caused By '150 Russians' Ahead Of England Match, French Prosecutors Claim

Some 150 Russians were behind much of the violence in Marseille ahead of the Euro 2016 match between England and Russia, according to reports from French prosecutors. 

Hundreds of outraged England fans called for Russia to be stripped of its hosting of the 2018 World Cup after England supporters were attacked in the stands after Saturday's 1-1 draw with Russia. 

The scuffles topped off three days of violent clashes between the two groups of supporters and led to to UEFA on Sunday warning that the two teams could be expelled from the tournament if the confrontations continue. 

It also opened disciplinary proceedings against the Russian Football Union for alleged crowd disturbances, racist behaviour and the setting off of fireworks by its fans during the match. 

England fans were seen fleeing the stands shortly after the final whistle was blown as balaclava-clad thugs punched through a line of stewards before attacking bystanders.

The incident raised serious questions about French security at a time when the country is on high alert after November's terrorist attacks on Paris.

The scenes from Marseille were described by the Football Association as "terrible" as it called on the local authorities to deal with the perpetrators swiftly.

The fights began hours before kick off at the Old Port area and led to several Brits being seriously hurt along with claims that gangs of Russian fans were hunting England supporters. 

According to Marseille prosecutor Brice Robin, 20 people have been arrested and 10 people, including six Britons, face an immediate trial, the BBC reported. A 16-year-old Briton is said to be among those arrested and charged with throwing bottles.

Robin said only two Russians had been arrested. He added that they were "well trained" and "well prepared".

Robin told a news conference: "These people [the Russians] were well prepared for ultra-rapid, ultra-violent action."

This was what made it difficult to arrest them, the prosecutor said.

Robin said the Russian hooligans were not thought to be "professional" but he said they were "extreme".

About 35 people have reportedly been injured in clashes between fans, including four whose conditions were said to be serious.

News of the arrests comes as the French government urged cities hosting Euro 2016 matches to ban alcohol near venues and fan zones. The ban was to include public areas, as well as shops and off-licences. 

French Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve is quoted by the BBC as saying: "I have asked for all necessary measures to be taken to prohibit the sale, consumption and transport of alcoholic drinks in sensitive areas on match days and the day before, and on days when fan zones are open."

Senior local officials can also ban bars and cafes from serving drinks on their terraces in containers that can be used as missiles.

Cazeneuve added: "The events which took place in Marseille... are unacceptable. Unacceptable for the authorities, unacceptable for society, unacceptable for football lovers."