Russian Football Union to appeal UEFA fines

Moscow, June 14 (IANS) The Russian Football Union (RFU) said Thursday it would appeal harsh punishments from the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) for Russian fans' behaviour during the Euro 2012.

"We could lose a whole qualifying period. With six points down, it would be extremely hard to compete. We will file an appeal and present reasons that our lawyers find," RFU President Sergei Fursenko told Izvestia news paper.

He also urged the country to "reflect" on UEFA's harsh punishment, "I have reiterated that the (Russian) law related to behaviour in the stands should be tougher."

Meanwhile, the RFU also called on football fans to jointly counter the mobs who have attacked Polish fans and police following a game between Russia and Poland late Tuesday, reported Xinhua.

"The Russian Football Union stands against violence both inside and outside the stadiums. We address all Russian fans to exercise restraint and follow the rules of behaviour set by the UEFA," the RFU said on its official website.

Following Russian supporters throwing fireworks during a game between Russia and the Czech Republic in Poland and the clashes between Russian and Polish fans, UEFA fined Wednesday RFU 120,000 euro (about $156,000) and awarded Russia with six negative points for the trial period until the start of the next European championship's qualifications in 2016.