Polish court to hear appeals by jailed Russian fans

WARSAW, POLAND – JUNE 16: Dejected Russian fans after defeat and elimination during the UEFA EURO 2012 group A match between Greece and Russia at The National Stadium on June 16, 2012 in Warsaw, Poland. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)

Warsaw, July 10 (IANS/RIA Novosti) A court in Warsaw will hold hearings today on the appeal by three Russian football fans jailed in Poland on charges of hooliganism during Euro 2012 football championship, the Russian embassy said.

At least 162 Poles and 25 Russians were arrested after Polish hooligans attacked several thousand Russian supporters marching to celebrate a national holiday before the two sides played out a 1-1 draw June 12.

Only three Russian fans, who received up to three-month jail terms following the clashes, remain in custody.

The Russian Football Union (RFU) was fined a total of 215,000 euros for fan hooliganism after three group games that ended with Russia’s elimination from the tournament.

Russia was also fined 120,000 euros and given a suspended six-point deduction for the next qualification tournament when some fans assaulted Polish stewards, reportedly leaving four requiring hospital treatment after the game against the Czech Republic June 8.

The pyrotechnics use, illicit banners and pitch invasion of Russian fans during a second group match against co-hosts Poland in Warsaw resulted in another 30,000 euros penalty.