Russian hooligans associated with the violent clashes involving England fans during Euro 2016 are now reportedly taking part in Vladimir Putin’s unauthorized military action in Ukraine. These Russian supporters had engaged in confrontations with English fans before and after a 1-1 group stage match.
The violence in Marseille nine years ago during the England vs. Russia match saw hooligans accused of launching brutal, coordinated assaults, resulting in multiple injuries and one individual being paralyzed. Marseille’s chief prosecutor stated that a group of 150 Russians, described as “hyper-violent,” were primarily responsible for the violence, using weapons like metal bars.
Recent reports indicate that some of these hooligans are now fighting alongside President Putin’s forces in Ukraine. Identified by French outlet L’Equipe, these hooligans, armed with rifles, are affiliated with the Espanola, a military unit led by Commander Mikhail Tourkanov, known for his swastika tattoos.
Former Russian footballer Andrei Solomatin, who played in the 2002 World Cup and mainly for Lokomotiv Moscow, has joined Espanola, a group formed by extremist fans from clubs like CSKA Moscow, Spartak Moscow, Zenit, and Orel. Members of this unit, including Solomatin, hold far-right beliefs, with the ’88th Brigade’ linked to neo-Nazi ideology, according to Ukrainian intelligence.
This battalion reportedly includes individuals who were part of the Marseille violence, highlighting the potential involvement of other attackers on various fronts. Eyewitnesses described barbaric assaults during the Marseille incidents, with victims recounting severe injuries inflicted by the organized Russian hooligans.
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