France introduce alcohol ban after Euro 2016 violence

France are introducing an alcohol ban after the opening days of Euro 2016 descended into violence between rival fans. 

The Euro 2016 kicked off with a 2-1 win for the home nation over Romania at the Stade de France on Friday, but already there were flashpoints of violence between England fans and Russia supporters in Marseille, which only intensified on Saturday when the two sides played out a 1-1 draw at the Stade Velodrome. 

UEFA immediately condemned the violence and warned both nations they could be expelled from the competition if their fans are involved in further confrontations. 

And now France's interior minister has ordered host cities to introduce an alcohol ban in the 48 hours before each game. 

"It is absolutely necessary that the national federations whose supporters create incidents of this nature be punished for what happened inside the stadium, and also outside," Bernard Cazeneuve told reporters. 

"I have asked for all necessary measures to be taken to prohibit the sale, consumption and transport of alcoholic drinks in sensitive areas on match days and the day before, and on days when fan zones are open,"  

"The events which took place in Marseille yesterday evening are unacceptable. Unacceptable for the authorities, unacceptable for society, unacceptable for football lovers,"