Match Day Thread England vs Russia 8pm 11th June

Yes, I can.

 

Also did I hear right that a Russian sports politico said something along the the lines of... this is what supporters are supposed to do [fight], so they should carry on doing it.[?]

 

A Russian MP actually praised the Russian fans, saying fighting was good. Prick.

 

Good

 

Ah, so it wasn't just my imagination. Cheers Tom.

 

Bloody hell !

 

Well, they've very publicly stated they will be kicked out in the event of more violence. They can't go back on it now.

 

Two interesting things developing now. First the way the BBC is now reporting incidents as 'worried for England (and Wales ) fans safety' rather than about worried about behaviour. It has taken a long time to get to this stage. Secondly, Russia being expelled would surely raise concerns in FIFA about 2018 world cup - let's be frank, a racist, homophobic and violence supporting Football Union should never have got it in the first place. Just a parting shot from the corruption throughout the highest levels of the game - another Blatter hot and cold balls up!

 

Oh yes , you are quite right Tom , It's just because it's Russia I wonder .

 

While Uefa have no say over the hosting of the '18 World Cup per se, they could call on all Uefa members to individually boycott the competition (and maybe have another Euros instead, hosted in England, with Saints, er sorry, England getting a bye to the semi-finals).

 

Just an observation, but when can we knock this thread on the head and start the England v Wales one.?

 

Sorry to quote myself, but a couple of people have asked if it is true about a Russian saying violence is good. Read this idiot in is own words.

 

No surprises here - always thought Lineker was a nob like his fellow winos too lazy and presumptuous to investigate closely the events in Marseille. Does not bode well for Lille, mark my words these jokers are warming up no doubt emboldened by their politicians encouragement (are you watching FIFA?.......nope still fast asleep I see)

 

Ta, Fran.

 

People seem surprised by the actions of the Russian hooligans and words of the RFU members and their politicians. You need go and see Russia to fully appreciate the culture, as its is so, so different to how we view life in the west - which is why many are so shocked. It is a very macho country and they just do not understand our modern-day namby-pamby ways. Back in the day they admired the likes of our football hooligans, but now they see us as mostly soft and wet. Its damn odd to us but thats how it is in Russia. I have had many dealings with Russians and been there in the days of the old USSR, when the lid was kept on them all, and since when it seems to me that since the lid came off they sometimes struggle to deal with their new 'freeness'. They dont get everything wrong though - there are many more women than men in Moscow and the bouncers only let very attractive girls into nightclubs with all 'ugly' girls turned away ! It is an eye-opener thats for sure !

 

"I don't see anything terrible about fans fighting. Quite the opposite, the guys did well. Keep it up!" Igor Lebedev, a Russian Football Union (RFU) official and nationalist MP, tweeted.

 

I'm pretty sure not all Russians are violent racist thugs. It's a country in crisis and that may be reflected in the behaviour of some of it's young men who are actively encouraged by venal politicians, but that will only be one side of the story. Generalisations about a whole nation don't really help.

As for the World Cup, the Euros in Poland and Ukraine passed off okay. So the thugs can be kept well away from the stadia if the political will to do so exists.

 

Convenient how everyone seems to have forgotten the Russians are doing exactly what England fans have been doing abroad from the late 70s-early 00's. Albeit they are much more organized, harder, and can throw fists as oppose to plastic furniture. It's a shame innocent England fans have been caught up, but all the wannabe football factory 'lads' with Joey Essex haircuts may have to re-think.

 

Yes absolutely. Humbled well and truly. Either they need to quit the beers and hit the gym, or shut the **** up once and for all.

 

I think shutting up would be the best policy.