French riot police arrest 323 soccer fans on violence charges

Russian supporters are detained by police in Lille, France, June 15, 2016.[Photo/Agencies]

PARIS - Since the start of the European football tournament on June 10, 323 people have been arrested following violent clashes between fans of rival soccer clubs in French cities, the interior ministry said on June 16.

The ministry added 196 were taken into custody, eight convicted to jail terms and three given suspended sentences while 24 others would be sent home.

The ministry did not give details on the nationality of the expelled people but local media reported that they were all Russians. They were accused of committing violent acts which left 35 wounded people on the sidelines of the game between England and Russia on June 11.

Amid rising risk of violence that could mar the "big sport event," the interior ministry pledged full determination to continue "these security actions throughout the competition."