French Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve said that a total of 557 "violent supporters" have been arrested so far at Euro 2016, according to the AP. Speaking after a security meeting with local organizers and government officials, he said that some of the troublemakers were given "very firm prison sentences." The "most visible violence" at Euro 2016 occurred in Marseille when England fans, Russia supporters and local youths "clashed with each other and French riot police." In a statement, the government said that 21 fans have been sent to jail and "another six have been given suspended prison sentences." French authorities have ordered a further 25 supporters to be deported (AP, 6/20).
NO FEAR: The AP reported in a separate piece UEFA Competitions Dir Giorgio Marchetti "does not fear teams colluding" to produce favorable results in the final round of Euro 2016 group games. Concerns over matches where "a certain result suits both teams are prevalent at most tournaments," but there could be an "extra risk" with the new 24-team format at Euro 2016. Marchetti said on Monday that there is "little room for speculation" at Euro 2016. He said, "We think we are pretty safe because there is a need by many teams to win. I am not overly worried" (AP, 6/20).
'HIGH RISK': In London, Samuel Stevens reported French authorities designated the match between Wales and Russia on Monday as "high risk" for fan violence following the clashes in Marseille and Lille last week. More than 600 extra police officers were deployed to the Stade de Toulouse on Monday to complement the 1,500-strong force "already expected to be on duty for the Group B fixture" (INDEPENDENT, 6/20). In London, Ian Herbert reported French police "prevented a group of local hooligans attempting to attack English supporters in Saint Etienne on Sunday night," as another huge group of the traveling fan base gathered in the town. England fans said that the local contingent "looking for trouble" numbered around 30 and were dressed in black "with red crosses emblazoned on their arms." They threw bottles at the English supporters "but were intercepted by French police who were monitoring the square from positions surrounding it" (INDEPENDENT, 6/20).
SPOILS OF VICTORY: The AP reported in a separate piece the players on Albania's national team "will be given diplomatic passports in recognition of their win over Romania." Albania scored its first goal of the tournament and won its first match on Sunday, beating Romania 1-0 in the Group A match in Lyon. Albanian Football Federation President Armand Duka said, "They are ambassadors without passports, but the premier will supply (diplomatic) passports to them" (AP, 6/20).
COPA VS. EURO: In Madrid, Mariano Sánchez reported after the quarterfinals of the Copa América, the tournament has drawn more than 1 million fans to games, with four left to be played. A total of 1.07 million have attended 23 Copa América games. The remaining games could bring total attendance to 1.3 million for the 27 games. So far, Euro 2016 has drawn 1.2 million fans to its 26 games. The European competition "has more teams participating, but the stadiums are smaller" (AS, 6/20).
