It seems the action taken against Russian fans has convinced their England counterparts to change tack.
Russia have been threatened with disqualification if there is a repeat of the ugly scenes at Stade Velodrome on their opening matchday, and England’s manager and captain have urged supporters to stay out of trouble to avoid similar measures.
England take on Wales in Lens on Thursday, and the atmosphere is still rather tense.
Al onrustig in Lille. Rellende Britten. Die zijn hier dus ook. Morgen speelt Rusland hier. pic.twitter.com/mRuACW5dJN
— Pim Sedee (@PimSedee) June 14, 2016
But there’s a sense of unity among supporters of the two Home Nations, with chants of “Fuck off Russia, we’re England and Wales” heard in Lille.
The Stade Metropole will host Russia’s second match, against Slovakia, while many England and Wales fans are staying in Lille before making the 17-mile trip for Thursday’s game.
Wales fans sing "Fuck of Russia" pic.twitter.com/s8TkqYPodM
— Max Allanazarov (@KyKyPyKy22) June 14, 2016
And we haven’t seen the end of the trouble which began in Marseille before England’s draw with Russia, with unconfirmed reports of another England fan’s arrest.
Police arrested 1 English fan pic.twitter.com/KmfP1aj20w
— Max Allanazarov (@KyKyPyKy22) June 14, 2016
Two supporters of Roy Hodgson’s team were handed prison sentences for throwing bottles at French police, while others were handed public order offences.
Supermarkets in Lens and Lille have been banned from selling alcohol until Friday morning, though pubs and bars are still permitted to serve alcoholic drinks in plastic containers.
