Reports indicate that Russian hooligans involved in violent clashes with England fans during Euro 2016 are now allegedly taking part in Vladimir Putin’s unauthorized military actions in Ukraine. The incidents in Marseille, where Russian supporters engaged in coordinated attacks resulting in injuries and paralysis, are linked to the current conflict. Marseille’s chief prosecutor stated that a group of 150 Russians, described as “hyper-violent,” were responsible for the violence in Marseille and are now reportedly fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine.
According to L’Equipe, these hooligans, armed with rifles, have joined the Espanola, a military group led by Commander Mikhail Tourkanov. Some members of this group were previously involved in the Marseille violence, including former Russian footballer Andrei Solomatin. Solomatin, who played in the 2002 World Cup, has joined Espanola, which comprises radical football club fans with far-right views.
Eyewitnesses from the Marseille incidents recounted brutal attacks by the Russian hooligans, with one victim describing being struck with a wooden bat. The hooligans were reported to have been well-organized and aggressive, causing significant harm to individuals during the clashes.
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