The deputy chairman of Russia's parliament cheers on rioting soccer fans in France

Writing on Twitter earlier today, Igor Lebedev, the deputy chairman of Russia's State Duma and a member of the Russian Football Union's executive committee, commended Russian fans for brawling with English fans in France over the weekend.

“I don't see anything wrong about a fight between [sports] fans! Quite the opposite—our boys did well! That's how you do it!” Lebedev wrote on Twitter. In subsequent tweets, he further defended Russian soccer fans, writing, “What happened in Marseilles and in other French cities wasn't the fault of the fans, but the inability of the police to manage crowds at such events.” He also tweeted, “I don't understand all these politicians and officials who are now condemning our fans,” and “I'd like to answer all the people who are writing garbage under my tweets in support of our fans: RUSSIA WAS, IS, AND WILL [ALWAYS] BE A GREAT COUNTRY!!!”

• Following a 1-1 opening draw between the soccer teams of Russia and England in this year's Euro 2016 competition, scores of “hyper-violent” Russian soccer fans rushed at England supporters in Marseille. A number of Russia supporters appeared to kick and punch fleeing England fans, who were forced to climb fences to escape.
• European soccer's governing body later issued an official warning, saying it might disqualify the respective teams, if further violence occurs.