Two England footie fans ‘fighting for life’ after knife-wielding Russian thugs attack ahead of Marseilles clash
Riot police fired tear gas and used water cannon as rival supporters clashed for third day running, putting 20 in hospital
TWO England fans are reportedly fighting for their lives, with a further 20 in hospital after Russian hooligans launched a vicious organised attack on Three Lions supporters in Marseille.
Local sources say one of the men suffered a cardiac arrest after being chased and viciously beaten by Russian ultras just hours before the two nations clash in their Euro 2016 opener.
Paramedics fought to stabilise the man, who was later rushed to hospital in an ambulance.
Three Lions fan Louise McMahon, helped the man and told the : "The bloke was from London and in his 30s. We saw it happen.
"He was on his own and then about five or six Russians just jumped him.
"They hit and kicked him and literally ripped his England shirt off his back. They nicked his iPhone and money too.
"The poor bloke was really shook up. We got him inside the bar where we were and he's going to be okay."
Reports suggest Russian ultras armed with knives and makeshift weapons launched a military-style assault on England fans drinking before the two country's clash this evening in Marseille.
French riot police were seen desperately performing CPR on the stricken fan as he lay prone in the middle of the Old Port area's main square.
French paper L'Equipe reported that two England fans were in a critical condition after the running battles in the square and on side streets on Saturday afternoon, with a further 11 receiving minor injuries.
England fan Michael Tashall from London, was in Marseilles as the violence erupted.
He told the Press Association: "We were in the Old Port town and the Russian ultras ganged up with the Marseilles ultras and attacked the English supporters that were sitting there drinking beers.
"You go into town now and there are English supporters with blood pouring from their head from the Russians' attacks. They are outrageous. The World Cup in Russia should be taken away from them. It is an outrage."
Jamie Vardy's wife Rebekah was caught up in the horror as officials used tear gas in a bid to quell the violence.
Pictured with an item of clothing covering her mouth and nose, the Wag kept a low profile as she made her way through the streets.
In a statement released today, the European football governing body denounced the violence: "UEFA firmly condemns the incidents in Marseille. People engaging in such violent acts have no place in football.
It is believed the Russians launched the coordinated attack from side streets funnelling onto the square.
French police yet again deployed tear gas to deal with the violence as rival fans fought running battles with both Russia and police in the Old City part of the city.
Footage had earlier emerged of England fans being attacked by local hooligans who threw restaurant furniture at them before police arrived to break up the clash.
It follows another night of shame for football fans as clashes occurred for a second night in a row on Friday.
Shadow home secretary Andy Burnham today called the violence embarrassing only one day after the FA blasted rioting supporters.
The governing body's statement read: "We are really disappointed by the scenes of disorder in Marseille yesterday evening and condemn such behaviour.
"It is in the hands of the authorities to identify those involved and deal with them appropriately.
"The FA urges supporters who are travelling to Marseille to act in a respectful manner and enjoy the match against Russia."
Earlier on Saturday a Marseille restaurant was set ablaze as riot cops used tear gas on Three Lions fans again ahead of tonight's match.
England fans were seen hurling objects and chairs at their opponents as the fire rages in a local restaurant.
French police said: "Once again the English fans have been drinking strong beer all day and cannot deal with alcohol."
Local sources suggested England fans were being targeted through "guerrilla attacks" by both French yobs and Russian hooligans.
A witness said: "The French were clever. It was like guerrilla warfare. But the police stopped this before the fighting became bad. They fired tear gas and the fighting stopped."
Thugs, believed to be French, kicked an alleged English fan onto the floor before throwing him over the harbour wall and into the sea.
Russki put gum shield in and the riot began
By OLIVER HARVEY, Chief Feature Writer
THAT the Russian mob had come prepared became glaringly obvious when one of their leaders slipped a protective gum shield into his mouth.
Then in a savage whirlwind of unprovoked violence, I watched as these excuses for humanity flailed into anyone in an England shirt.
Some of the Russians used chairs to batter innocent supporters. Others used fists and feet to sickening effect.
One tattooed Englishman in his 50s was beaten to the ground, his legs twitching sickeningly. He was later led away by friends.
Children wept as their terrified families ushered them away.
By the time riot cops reacted it was the English that took the brunt of the choking tear gas.
The afternoon began peacefully enough, with England fans playing football in the street.
One told me: “We were having a laugh when the Russians turned up and attacked us.”
Three Lions supporters then surged forward throwing bottles as riot police beat them back.
A local woman dressed in a pink frock even joined in, hurling a bottle at England fans.
Eventually the depressing whiff of tear gas wafted over as the crowds scattered, broken glass crunching underfoot.
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