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Six England fans jailed over Marseille violence at Euro 2016

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French prosecutors have warned of repeat scenes if England and Russia fans meet again in Lille

Six England fans have been jailed after taking part in violent clashes that erupted at Euro 2016 in Marseille at the weekend.

The men, who all appeared at court in the city during a five-hour session, were imprisoned for between one and three months.

Alexander Booth, the youngest to be sentenced at 20, and Ian Hepworth, 41, were jailed for two months and three months respectively and banned from France for two years each after appearing in court on Monday in connection with the disorder.

Reacting to the sentence, Booth's father Chris, who was later seen in tears, said "I'll fight it" and "miscarriage".

Before being dealt with, Booth told the court: "I would like to say sorry to the police and to the people and city of Marseille. This is not like me; I'm not a violent person. I love my job and my family. I've never been involved in football hooliganism. I was in the wrong place at the wrong time."

Later on Monday, it was revealed that four more England fans had been given prison sentences.

England fans
Image: There were ugly scenes in Marseille before England's clash with Russia at the Stade Velodrome

Ashley Kelly, 26, a construction worker from Birmingham, was imprisoned for three months and given a two-year ban from France for throwing seven bottles outside the stadium.

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Paul Jackson, 21, from Halifax, received one month in jail and a two-year ban after he threw bottles at police and supporters on Saturday.

Lee Phillips, 23, from Taunton, was also jailed for one month and given a two-year ban for throwing bottles at a woman, who also threw some back.

Meanwhile, a 24-year-old man has been summoned to Birmingham Magistrates court to answer accusations that he was involved in disorder in Marseille last Friday.

A police van thought to be carrying Alexander Booth leaves Marseilles Court after he was jailed for two months for throwing a bottle at police
Image: A police van thought to be carrying Alexander Booth leaves Marseille Court on Monday

Daniel Warlow, from Spring Meadow, Tipton will appear before court on Tuesday where could face a five-year football banning order.

French authorities admitted that around 150 "hyper violent" Russian football hooligans escaped arrest, and that a teenage England fan was among six Britons that have been charged with public order offences.

England supporters were forced to flee the stands shortly after the end of the 1-1 draw between the two sides on Saturday as thugs broke through a line of stewards and started attacking them inside the Stade Velodrome in Marseille.

Police gather as they clash with England fans in Marseille
Image: Police attempt to restore order in Marseille prior to Saturday's match

The disorder on Saturday was the climax to three days of violence between English, Russian and French fans that left dozens injured.

Police used water cannon, tear gas, dogs and batons to control England fans at the Old Port in Marseille, and outside the stadium just before England kicked off their campaign.

A total of 10 people, including the six Britons, an Austrian and three Frenchmen, were to be tried on Monday, Mr Robin confirmed. The charges follow the arrest of 116 people related to disorder since the start of the championships.

England fans clash with police ahead of the game against Russia later on June 11, 2016 in Marseille, France
Image: Two England fans have been jailed following their involvement in the violence in Marseille

The violence was the worst seen at an international tournament since the 1998 World Cup in France.

Three people have been expelled from France and five others barred from entering the country because "of the risk they pose to public order," Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve said.

A 50-year-old England supporter in a "critical but stable" condition in hospital with severe brain injuries has been named as Andrew Bache.

The Portsmouth supporter was reportedly assaulted by Russian fans armed with iron bars before the game between the two sides. A fundraising page has so far collected more than £4,000 for Mr Bache.

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