England, Russia risk expulsion

European soccer's governing body has warned the English and Russian soccer associations that their teams could be disqualified from Euro 2016 if there is a continuation of the fan violence that has injured several dozen people.

UEFA's threat came after it began disciplinary proceedings against the Russian federation on Sunday following ugly scenes inside Marseille's Stade Velodrome stadium at the end of Saturday's match between England and Russia.

UEFA said that it would also investigate allegations of racist behaviour and the throwing of missiles and fireworks.

The violence in the stadium followed three days of clashes between English, Russian and French fans in the Mediterranean port city of Marseille, drawing a strong response from riot police.

UEFA said it was "disgusted" and would not hesitate to impose sanctions, including "the potential disqualification of their respective teams from the tournament, should such violence occur again".

"This kind of behaviour is totally unacceptable and has no place in football," UEFA said, adding that a decision on sanctions against Russia would be made within days.

English and Russian fans will almost certainly cross paths in Lille later this week, with Russia playing Slovakia in the city on Wednesday and England facing Wales only 40 km away in Lens on Thursday.

Russian Sports Minister Vitaly Mutko said that UEFA was right to investigate.

It is the second time in as many European Championship tournaments that the Russian federation has faced sanctions because of its fans. Russia was fined and given a suspended six-point deduction for its Euro 2016 qualifying campaign after fans assaulted stadium security staff.