Lille bar forced to close doors early after England fans targeted again by Russians

English fans react to Russian attack in Lille bar ahead of next group match on Thursday

A bar in Lille closed its doors on Tuesday night after English fans seized one of its tables to defend themselves against Russians who were shaping up to punch them.

Amid signs that some of the violence witnessed in Marseille at the weekend could be repeated, French police also seized a supporter, possibly Slovakian, from one bar which two Russians had threatened and marched him away. There were also scuffles at another location.

A member of staff at Le Palais de la Biere, who would not be named, said: “The English went for a table to defend themselves. The Russians were threatening with fists. We decide we have to close.”

Two members of a Russian gang who were highly visible in Marseille also threw a chair into a bar where football fans gathered. They were from the Orel Butchers group, wearing t-shirts stating: “storm over Europe 2016.”

Despite the widely reported alcohol ban, which was supposed to apply to outdoor dining areas, drink was widely available outdoors. Alcohol can be served inside bars until midnight every night this week.

England supporters chant in response to Russian fans in Lille on Tuesday night (Getty)

English fans were highly visible, singing 'God save the Queen' and 'Rule Britannia' at Les Brasseurs near Lille Flanders railway station.

English, Welsh and Slovak supporters were in high spirits in the main square where they played football. The English and Welsh were getting on civilly.

More to follow