Russia is to appeal a suspended six-point penalty for crowd disturbances involving their fans at Russia’s opening game of Euro 2012, Russian Football Union president Sergei Fursenko told R-Sport on Wednesday.
After Russia’s 4-1 win over the Czech Republic in Wroclaw, some Russian fans assaulted Polish stewards, reportedly leaving four requiring hospital treatment.
The points deduction is suspended until the end of Euro 2016 qualification.
“We want to submit an appeal against the punishment given,” Fursenko said, adding that it was “very harsh.”
“It is a shame that the team answers for the ill-considered actions and words of the fans.”
The punishment relates to “charges for the improper conduct of its supporters (crowd disturbances), the setting off and throwing of fireworks and the display of illicit banners”, UEFA said on its website.
The Russian Football Union was also fined €120,000, but Fursenko did not specify whether the appeal would also seek to overturn that element of the punishment.
Russia now faces further UEFA charges relating to its 1-1 draw with Poland on Tuesday.
Both teams face charges for the use of pyrotechnics by fans, while Russia is also charged with “displaying illicit banners and the invasion of the pitch by a supporter,” UEFA said on its website.
UEFA’s disciplinary committee will rule on the charges on Sunday and the new charges do not affect Russia’s suspended points deduction, UEFA said.
The Euro 2016 finals, to be held in France, will feature 24 teams, up from the current 16 in Ukraine and Poland.
Qualification begins in the fall of 2014.
