Violence between Euro fans in the French city of Marseille has marred the Group B opening match, which saw England and Russia draw 1-1. Clashes also broke out in Nice, where locals set upon Northern Ireland fans.
Image: Reuters/E. Keogh
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After three days of violence between fans on the streets of Marseille, fresh clashes erupted on Saturday night in the city's Stade Velodrome stadium after a large group of Russian fans stormed the England stands, minutes after the match ended 1-1.
England supporters were seen jumping over high fences to escape the group of Russians as they charged into the rival section, throwing missiles, tearing down flags and seemingly attacking anyone in their path. Stewards at the stadium have been criticized for allowing the violence to unfold.
Groups of Russian fans were also able to reach the second tier of the stadium before a handful of stewards stepped in.
The violence on Saturday night was just the latest chapter in three days of clashes in the French port town. Ahead of the England-Russia match, local TV footage showed rival fans hurling bottles and attacking each other with metal rods and chairs.
According to Laurent Nunez, the prefect of Marseille police, at least 31 people were injured in Saturday's violence, three of them seriously and one critically.
The disturbances marred peaceful scenes earlier in the day, when fans mingled with tourists as relaxed police looked on.
On Friday, nine fans were arrested and officers fired several rounds of tear gas as drunk and bare-chested supporters fought one another and police in the Vieux Port district. Police said six of those detained would face formal charges.
With the UK set to head to the polls on June 23 to vote on its membership in the EU, some England fans were also reportedly heard chanting anti-Europe slogans and "we're all voting out."
Thousands of England fans scaled high fences as they tried to flee from groups of Russian fansImage: Reuters/E. Keogh
UEFA deliberates sanctions
Speaking with the Associated Press, local store owner Jean Patrick Berbera described how the port area was turned into a "civil war" zone despite the police presence.
Nearby bars and restaurants were ordered to close, and local business owners vowed to implement extra security measures to avoid further damage to their properties.
England fan Gary Toal described a "mob mentality" on the streets but told AP that most fans were "trying to keep away from all that and enjoy the football."
UEFA is now set to open disciplinary proceedings over the three days of violence, with Russia expected to face harsh sanctions following the attacks in the stadium.
The European football body condemned the unrest, stating that "people engaging in such violent acts have no place in football."
French police said at least 31 people were injured in Saturday's violence, four of them seriouslyImage: Reuters/J.P. Pelissier
Heightened police presence
Around 1,000 police officers have been deployed to Marseille during the month-long tournament, primarily to deal with an ongoing terror threat following the Paris attacks last November.
Marseille is also determined, however, to avoid a repeat of the violence during the 1998 World Cup when English hooligans clashed with Tunisia supporters. Police in Britain warned England fans they would face travel bans to matches at home and abroad if they took part in violence.
Locals attack Northern Irish in Nice
Further along the southern French coastline on Saturday, violence also broke out in Nice after locals began attacking Northern Ireland fans ahead of their opening match against Poland on Sunday. French police said seven people were injured, including one man with a serious head injury.
Image: picture-alliance/empics/PA Wire/M. McHugh
According to a Northern Ireland police officer accompanying fans at the scene, French riot police moved in after local Nice youths hurled bottles at Northern Ireland supporters in cafes near the central Place Massena.
"About 20 to 30 Nice youths started throwing bottles at the Northern Ireland fans. Some bottles were thrown back, some punches were thrown," the officer said.
Euro 2016 preview: Group B
England's perfect record in the group stages make them clear favorites to advance to the knockout stages. Otherwise, Group B appears wide open, and a superstar or two may decide who makes it through.
Image: picture-alliance/dpa/Desk
From poor results to perfection
If teams were ranked on their form going in to the competition, England would be top of the pile, such is the consistency and professionalism they've shown in qualifying. Not only a did they win all 10 of their qualifying games, but they also notched a friendly win over Germany, suggesting Roy Hodgson's side may be dark horses this summer.
Image: Fabrice Coffrini/AFP/Getty Images
Tournament success has eluded England
Despite winning the World Cup in 1966, the England national team has largely under performed at European Championships. Aside from a third-placed finish in 1968 and elimination in the semifinals in 1996 the country has had very little to shout about in this competition.
Image: picture-alliance/i-Images/T. Harris
Roy Hodgson, the reformer
England managers, these days, are like endangered species. The likes of Steve McClaren and Sven-Göran Eriksson were consigned to the dust bin quickly after their respective failures. Hodgson, though, leads the Three Lions into his third major tournament since replacing Fabio Capello.
Image: picture-alliance/dpa/S. Stache
The battle of Great Britain
An intriguing feature of group B is the coming clash between England and Wales on matchday two which has been dubbed the "Battle of Britain". The countries lock horns regularly in Rugby Union, but their last competitive meeting on a football pitch was during 2006 World Cup qualifying.
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Wales finally have a superstar
John Charles. Ian Rush. Mark Hughes. Ryan Giggs. Gareth Bale. The Real Madrid man, now a two-time Champions League winner, sits comfortably among the top Welsh players ever. Bale, 26, scored eight goals in qualification and dragged the Welsh to the finals. If he stays fit, he has the quality to take his country beyond the group phase.
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The Welsh are coming! The Welsh are coming!
For the first time in their footballing history, Wales will play at the European Championship finals. Chris Coleman's side have ascended the FIFA rankings in recent years, making the most of a talented generation which includes Bale and Arsenal's Aaron Ramsey. They certainly won't just be there for a party.
Image: picture-alliance/J. Marsh
The naturalized Neustädter
Though born in the Soviet Union, Roman Neustädter will be the first naturalized player to play for Russia in a major tournament. The Russians, hosts of the 2018 World Cup, are lacking in players who play at the highest level. Aside from Neustädter, the Russia squad is made up of domestic-based players.
If second place will be up-for-grabs, then Slovakia have a great chance. Slovakia qualified for their first European championship since the split of Czechoslovakia in 1992. Czechoslovakia won the Euros in 1976 and came runners-up in two World Cups.
Image: picture-alliance/dpa/M. Shipenkov
Hopes hang on Hamsik
Slovakia's only genuine outstanding player is Napoli midfielder Marek Hamsik. The 28-year-old has made over 300 appearances for the club, and is captain for his national team. The classy midfielder has been likened to former Czech and Juventus legend Pavel Nedved.
