Euro 2016: France bans alcohol near match venues after violence between England and Russia fans

Tough new restrictions on drinking as the French government tries to curb the violence

Violence at the England v. Russia match in Marseille

(AP)

Alcohol is to be banned from “sensitive areas” around Euro 2016 matches after violence marred the opening days of the tournament.

France’s interior minister Bernard Cazeneuve announced restrictions on the sale, transportation and consumption of alcohol in certain areas on Sunday evening.

He told reporters: "I have asked for all necessary measures to be taken to prohibit the sale, consumption and transport of alcoholic drinks in sensitive areas on match days and the day before, and on days when fan zones are open.”

The tough new measures follow the events in Marseille on Saturday night when clashes between English and Russian fans left more than 30 people injured and led to Uefa opening disciplinary proceedings against the Russian Football Union.

Uefa has warned both England and Russia they could face disqualification from the tournament if the violence continues.

More clashes between supporters was reported on Sunday evening as Germany played Ukraine in Lille.

Mr Cazeneuve condemned the violence in Marseille and claimed the police response had been in proportion.

England-fans-Marseille.MOV

He said: "The events that occurred last night in Marseille are unacceptable. Unacceptable to the government, socially unacceptable, unacceptable for football lovers.

"We witnessed violence between fans, caused by alcoholic hordes who have engaged in unacceptable abuses. The law and order system in place in Marseille yesterday was properly-sized.

“It was reactive and helped restore calm in an hour and a half, separating the highly alcoholic protagonists."

England fans returning by Eurostar from France on Sunday were met by British police appealing for information about the events in Marseille.

Officers were asking for witnesses and appealing for any video footage England fans may have captured.