England fans caught up in violence in Marseille on Saturday night have described coordinated attacks by Russian hooligans, some disguised in English club shirts and carrying gumshields and telescopic truncheons. Witnesses said the groups operated with 'military organisation', roaming the Old Port area and targeting England supporters before and after the Euro 2016 match against Russia.
Calling cards were posted on lampposts, apparently to direct the hooligans to assembly points. Ian Allsop, a builder from Luton, said he was looking for his son when around 300 Russians appeared. 'They just walked straight through all the England fans who were standing about singing. The Russians just started hitting anyone they could,' he said. Another fan, Martyn Lowe from Stoke-on-Trent, suffered broken ribs and a black eye after being knocked unconscious.
Rebekah Vardy, wife of England striker Jamie Vardy, was escorted from a brasserie after riot police used tear gas. She called it 'the worst experience EVER at an away game'. Uefa has opened disciplinary proceedings against Russia's football union over supporter behaviour, including storming the England end at the Stade Velodrome, racist behaviour and use of fireworks.
Of the 35 people injured, four seriously, most were attacked outside the stadium. A 51-year-old Englishman remains critically ill after being struck on the head and repeatedly kicked. Police administered CPR after his heart stopped. Friends dropped off his bags at the hospital but were not allowed to visit as they were not direct family.
England fans leaving Marseille on Sunday said the Russians appeared intent on attacking them from the moment they arrived in the Old Port. 'They were very organised. They wore gumshields, some had England shirts on to mix in. They were there to do the English,' said Allsop, who was hit on the arm with a bat.
