As per usual when I write about the Russians at Euro 2016, I begin with this disclamer: not all Russians. But some Russians.
The Russians have been getting a lot of attention at Euro 2016 so far. They fought the English. They fought the Slovakians. One Russian politician said fans go to soccer matches simply for the purpose of fighting each other. Other politicians defended the Russian fans, saying they were defending the country's honor. One Russian Football Union board member is reported to have said the fans are so out of control because the French police don't have tanks on the streets of Marseille.
Well, then.
So the Russian fans haven't made a ton of friends in France, and the team (already under a suspended disqualification because of fan behavior) will likely be bounced after the group stage.
Various blowhards and governing bodies have expressed their shock and outrage and surprise that soccer fans would act this way. Those various blowhards and governing bodies have evidently never been to, heard anything about or interacted with someone from Russia.
Watch this video and then tell me how shocked you are about the Russians' behavior at Euro 2016.
Anyone who thinks a group of people who have organized brawls in the woods before club matches are going to be totally cool and friendly once nationalism is involved should probably not be allowed to be in charge of anything.
Contact The18 Staff Writer Sam Klomhaus at Klomhaus@The18.com or follow him on Twitter @SamKlomhaus
