Investigators probing the “orchestrated” violence in Marseille have released pictures of football fans suspected of being involved in the disorder.
Officers from the UK Football Policing Unit are hoping to identify the men following the violence in Marseille before England’s Euro 2016 match against Russia on Saturday 11 June. Police also appealed for people to hand over any photos or video of the fighting, which left 14 England fans in hospital.
Fighting broke out before and during the Group B game, with the Marseille prosecutor, Brice Robin, saying that French authorities believed a group of 150 Russians were behind much of the disorder, and had been “trained to fight”.
The prosecutor said he did not think the Russian hooligans were “professional” but were “well prepared for ultra-rapid, ultra-violent action. These are extremely well-trained people”.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the UK Football Policing Unit said England fans had been targeted in “an orchestrated, prolonged attack”, with two supporters still in hospital with serious injuries.
Appealing for further footage and information, police said: “Our focus is on the people who can clearly be seen committing violence, but also others who were there and may have witnessed something. They could have vital information, photos or video footage.”
Officers are also urging witnesses of the attack on Stewart Gray from Leicester to come forward. Gray was in the Rue Forte Notre Dame area at around 2.30pm, and was found injured nearby at 4pm.
Detective Superintendent Andy Barnes said: “We particularly need footage to help us understand how Stewart Gray became so badly injured. We are aware that there were people in the apartment above the incident who we would like to speak to as witnesses. They were seen to be taking video footage and this could be crucial evidence. If you recognise yourself or someone you know in this footage, then please get in touch.”
The National Police Chiefs’ Council Lead for Football Policing, Assistant Chief Constable Mark Roberts, said: “The violence in Marseilles was highly organised and those involved appeared determined to carry out sustained attacks at a level of aggression I have not encountered in the past 10 years.
“We are very aware that this involved a small minority of English supporters. Investigations will continue and these fans could be subject to a football banning order on their return to the UK.”
Police have asked for help identifying those responsible by reporting any violence or anti-social behaviour to the UKFPU investigation on 0208 246 0076 or by email to centralfootballunit@met.pnn.police.uk.
Uefa reacted to the incidents by fining Russia and imposing a suspended disqualification from the tournament. Hungary, Belgium and Portugal are the latest countries to face Uefa disciplinary procedures as a result of their fans’ behaviour.
