France Pushes for Euro 2016 Alcohol Ban in Wake of Fan Violence

France has called for alcohol bans in cities hosting Euro 2016 matches following three days of heavy clashes between fans and police in Marseille.

Russian supporters were seen setting off flares, climbing over barriers and appearing to assault their rival England fans after the Saturday match between both countries ended in a draw, reports the BBC. England and Russian supporters and French locals continued to clash over the weekend in Marseille, injuring at least 35 people.

French Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve stated, “I have asked for all necessary measures to be taken to prohibit the sale, consumption and transport of alcoholic drinks in sensitive areas on match days and the day before, and on days when fan zones are open.”

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The ban would apply to public areas, shops and liquor stores in the vicinity of the matches and could also extend to local establishments serving drinks. The city of Lens has already banned the sale of alcohol, ahead of hosting the England and Wales match on Wednesday.

European soccer’s governing body UEFA is currently investigating the situation and threatened to disqualify both Russia and England if fan violence continues. The association is holding disciplinary hearings against Russia for crowd disturbances, racist behavior and the use of fireworks, according to the BBC.

[BBC]