‘Keep it up’ Outrage as top Russian MP BACKS hooligan thugs who battered England fans

RUSSIAN thugs who ambushed Three Lions fans in Marseille have been told to “keep it up” – by a top MP in Moscow.

By Harry Kemble

UGLY: Top Russian MP Igor Lebedev (right) has come out in support of his country's thugs

One England fan lies in hospital in a coma while scoresmore supporters suffered injuries in ugly scenes in Marseille.

There were clashes between Russian and England fans inside and outside the stadium in the build-up to Saturday’s match.

Now a leading member of the Russian Football Union and deputy chairman of Russia's parliament, Igor Lebedev, has said on Twitter he does not see anything wrong with his country’s fans’ behaviour.

His comments will continue to rile England fans who feel they have been treated appallingly by French police amid attacks by thugs.

Fears will grow in light of Lebedev's support for hooliganism with Russia set to host the World Cup in 2018.

CLASH: Fans come together after the final whistle in Marseille

He said: “I do not see anything terrible in fighting fans.

“On the contrary, well done, our guys. Keep it up!”

Around 150 Russians were behind the violence which marred England’s opening Euro 2016 match, according to French prosecutors.

JEERS: Russian fans goad England supporters during their match on Saturday night

BACKING: Igor Lebedev (right) has backed his country's thugs

TWEET: Igor Lebedev's comments

TWEET: Igor Lebedev's comments

Lebedev added: “[The] guys defended the honour of the country and did not allow the British in any way defile our homeland.

But what happened in Marseille and other French cities, is not because of alcohol, but the inability of police to organise such a tournament.

“And I do not understand all those politicians and officials who are now branding our fans.

“They have to protect them, they have to come home and we have to understand them.” 

Europe’s football governing body – Uefa – has begundisciplinary proceedings against Russia on charges of crowd disturbances, racist behaviour and setting off fireworks at Saturday’s England and Russia game.

No disciplinary proceedings have been brought against England. 

Six Three Lions supporters have been arrested – whileno Russian supporters have been detained by French cops. 

There are fears fans will clash again over Wednesday and Thursday when England and Russian fans will be staying in Lille for their matches.

Uefa has threatened to expel England and Russia from Euro 2016 if there is any further violence from supporters.