- Title: Masked Russian hooligan warns of violence at 2018 World Cup
- Date: 16th February 2017
- Summary: MARSEILLE, FRANCE (FILE - JUNE 11, 2016) (REUTERS) CROWD OF FANS IN THE DISTANCE, FANS HURLING UNIDENTIFIED OBJECTS, PEOPLE RUNNING AND PASSING BY FRENCH POLICE FIRING TEAR GAS AGAINST FANS FRENCH RIOT POLICE STANDING AWAY FROM SCENE OF CONFRONTATION MORE OF FANS IN DISTANCE, PEOPLE THROWING OBJECTS FRENCH RIOT POLICE ADVANCING WITH SHIELDS
- Embargoed: 2nd March 2017 18:28
- Keywords: FIFA Infantino world cup fans violence hooligans Russia 2018
- Location: DOHA, QATAR / MARSEILLE, FRANCE
- City: DOHA, QATAR / MARSEILLE, FRANCE
- Country: Russia
- Topics: Sport,World Cup
- Reuters ID: LVA00363RUO1R
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Story Text: A BBC documentary going to air on Thursday evening (February 16) carries interviews with a self-described Russian hooligan leader, going under the name 'Denis', who speaks of kicking rival fans at the Euro 2016 tournament and says males at the 2018 World Cup in Russia "should calculate with getting your ass kicked."
'Denis' said he was the leader of the "Orel Butchers" hooligan group who attacked mostly England fans in Marseille during the Euro 2016 tournament.
He boasts during the documentary of kicking a man's head like 'a penalty kick'.
Speaking to a reporter from BBC's "This World" Denis predicted that Russian authorities would "lock down" gang leaders during the World Cup and said such hooligans would have a "very, very hard year."
However Denis, who said he was a mixed martial arts fighter, added that male visitors, without children or family with them, were likely to be attacked.
"How would you not get beaten up? That's a good question. Well, I don't know. Have a family and children around you or like something. I mean if you are there with your friend, with your male friend, you should calculate with getting your ass kicked," he said.
Earlier on Thursday FIFA President Gianni Infantino played down concerns about possible violence at the 2018 World Cup in Russia despite several flashpoints involving their supporters at the 2016 European Championship in France.
"I'm not concerned about trouble and violence in 2018. I have full confidence in Russian authorities, they are taking this matter very, very seriously," he said in Doha.
More than 100 England fans were injured following clashes with Russian supporters in Marseille before their group game at Euro 2016, causing UEFA to threaten the team with expulsion from the tournament.
There have been fears of more trouble at next year's tournament. But Infantino said the organisers were already putting plans in place to curb any hooliganism.
"They have been in contact with UEFA and French organisers to learn the lessons from France and this matter is being taken in the utmost seriousness by all," he said. - Copyright Holder: FILE REUTERS (CAN SELL)
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