'High Risk' Of Violence At Wales-Russia Match

The Euro 2016 match between Wales and Russia in Toulouse on Monday has been designated "high risk" for fan violence by French authorities.

More than 600 extra police have been drafted in and around the Stade de Toulouse in addition to the 1,500 officers who were already placed on duty.

It follows widespread violence ahead of, during and after England's first group match against Russia on 11 June.

Russia was handed a suspended disqualification after the match, with tournament officials telling the team they will be kicked out if their fans repeat their behaviour.

A group of Russian fans was seen rushing at England supporters inside Marseille's Stade Velodrome near the end of the 1-1 draw.

There were also disturbances in Lille when Russia played Slovakia last Wednesday.

Three Russian fans have been jailed and a number of others barred from France amid allegations the country's official supporters group was linked to the clashes.

The designation prompted Russia striker Fyodor Smolov to accuse England and Wales fans of provoking Russians.

"I'm not really going to make any statement (over Russia fans), but I'd like the supporters to go on backing us," the 26-year-old said.

"As for everything that goes on around us, there's a number of videos that have been uploaded on the web and clearly the English really did provoke them, and indeed the Welsh fans."

He urged fans to fight outside the stadium, rather than inside.

"If people want to go out with the intention of fighting, they should fight elsewhere. They shouldn't do it in the stadium," he said.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has condemned an attack by 200 hardcore Russian fans on English fans in Marseille, but questioned why 1,000 English fans ran away from his compatriots.

England supporter, Andrew Bache, 51, remains in a serious condition in hospital after apparently being beaten with an iron bar. He has regained consciousness.

Wales need to win the match to be certain of qualifying for the second round of the tournament.

England take on Slovakia at 8pm on Monday night, the exact same time as Wales's kick-off, but hundreds of miles away in Saint-Etienne.

Bars in the city stacked away furniture on Sunday as thousands of England soccer fans headed there.

Local authorities in Saint-Etienne have cut opening hours and banned glasses and takeaway alcohol sales.

Sky's Paul Kelso said that some bars were open and selling beer to England fans watching France's game against Switzerland on big screens.