'Don't make England pay for hooliganism'

TEMPERS flare between Russian and English fans on Saturday.

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WITH the threat of explusion hanging over England after violence marred the first weekend of Euro 2016, Chronicle reporter Gillian Potts asked shoppers in Oldham whether they thought Roy Hodgson's team should bear the brunt of unacceptable behaviour by some of their fans at the tournament in France . . .

Clifford Buckley, from Derker, was in no doubt.

"No, absolutely not," said Clifford.

"I can't really say what I'd do to those fans who have been rioting but I don't think the England team should suffer.

"They need to round as many of them up as possible and prosecute them. There's no way a team should be disqualified because of what their fans are doing."

Latics fan Kyle Milligan, from Oldham, agreed.

"They're just a bunch of hooligans but you can't really punish the team for their behaviour. There's not really a lot you can do otherwise, though, I admit."

Emma Lord, from Royton, who was with her three-year-old son Lucas Bennett, thought it would be a real shame if England were kicked out due to the actions of "idiots". "I don't agree with the team being disqualified at all ­- those fans are just a bunch of idiots ­- but it's hard to know what they can do to stop them," she said.

"I think it's a last resort but it would be a shame."

Geoff Gee, from Springhead, told us: "No, they shouldn't be expelled from the tournament.

"It's up to the police to sort the situation out and make sure it doesn't get that far.

"Either that or stop them coming in the first place.

"They're just a load of hooligans who need locking up and the key should be thrown away."

His grandson, Billy George, from Shaw, added: "It's not the fault of the team, so why should they pay the price?

"I'm not sure how they can stop it from happening. It's just mindless."