Russian hooligans, known for their violent clashes with England fans during Euro 2016, are now reportedly involved in Vladimir Putin’s unauthorized aggression in Ukraine. These hooligans had engaged in confrontations with English supporters before and after a 1-1 match during the group stage.
The violence in Marseille nine years ago, where Russian hooligans were accused of launching coordinated attacks resulting in numerous injuries and one person being paralyzed, overshadowed the football match between England and Russia. Marseille’s chief prosecutor stated that a group of 150 Russians, described as “hyper-violent,” instigated most of the violence with metal bars and other weapons. Recent reports suggest that some of these individuals are now fighting alongside Putin in Ukraine.
According to L’Equipe, the same hooligans involved in the clashes with English fans are now armed and fighting in Ukraine with the Espanola, led by Commander Mikhail Tourkanov. This military unit includes former members responsible for the Marseille violence, and it attracts individuals with a history of violent behavior at football events.
Espanola also includes a former Russian footballer, Andrei Solomatin, who joined the group in 2023. Solomatin emphasized the similarities between football training and their current operations, noting the presence of members with far-right ideologies and connections to neo-Nazi groups.
Eyewitness testimonies from the Marseille incidents describe brutal attacks, with one individual recalling how he was assaulted with a wooden bat by organized Russian hooligans. The violence inflicted severe injuries on multiple victims during the chaotic clashes.
Join our new WhatsApp community for exclusive Mirror Football updates, promotions, and partner advertisements. Read our Privacy Notice to learn more about how we handle your data.