Alcohol continues to cast shadow over Euro 2016

By Jo Gilbert

Published: 15 June, 2016

French police are restricting the sale of alcohol in Lille ahead of England and Wales' Euro 2016 match in hopes to derail the violence over-shadowing the tournament.

Shops selling alcohol are closed until Friday, with around 350 bars shutting early today (Wednesday) and tomorrow.

The measure has been taken after the FA expressed "serious concerns" about security after clashes between Russia and England supporters following the draw between the two teams on Saturday, June 11.

Both teams are currently gathering in Lille, England for their match against Wales tomorrow and Russia for their match against Slovakia this afternoon.

The drinking ban covers some parts of central Lille and the stadium.

Meanwhile, British Transport Police (BTP) are aiming to curb the alcohol-fuelled violence with a ban on alcohol being taken through check-in, or purchased at departure lounges or on board.

BTP officers have also been travelling with fans on Eurostar trains.

In a speech in the House of Commons on Monday (June 13), Theresa May said some England fans had behaved "inexcusably" during violent clashes between England and Russia fans.

She declared that hooligans had "let their nation down" and carried out a "disservice to all genuine England fans".

The Home Secretary told MPs: "The violence in Marseille surrounding England's match with Russia was deeply disturbing. Seven English fans are still in hospital, two with very severe injuries and our thoughts are with them."

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