UEFA has opened disciplinary proceedings against Russia after violence marred their Euro 2016 opening fixture against England in France.

The governing body is taking action over crowd disturbances, apparent racist behaviour and the setting off of fireworks during the Group B showdown, Sky Sports News reports.

Reports indicate that a group of Russian supporters rushed their England counterparts after the full-time whistle of the 1-1 draw in Marseille, an incident that is said to have left a number of fans hospitalised.

A statement from the country's sports minister Vitaly Mutko suggests that he anticipated the disciplinary action, although he added that Russia will launch its own investigation into the disturbances.

"We will have a fine from UEFA, so I understand. We behaved incorrectly," the R-Sport news agency quotes him as saying, adding that he believes there were "many nuances" to the incident.

Both UEFA and the English Football Association have issued statements condemning the violence.

Written by
Mark Langshaw