Euro 2016: Far-right Russian fan leader arrested in France two days after being deported
Alexander Shprygin was among 20 Russian fans expelled in connection with violence at the beginning of the Euro 2016 tournament
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.French police have arrested the leader of Russian football fans who attacked England fans two days after he was deported from France.
Alexander Shprygin, who has far-right affiliations and is president of the Russian Supporters Union, was among 20 Russian fans expelled in connection with violence at the beginning of the Euro 2016 tournament.
It was not immediately clear how he reentered France. A message on his twitter account said he had taken an unconventional route, and included a photo of a jet belonging to Spanish low-cost carrier Vueling Airlines.
Another post on his Twitter account showed a short video filmed inside the stadium ahead of Russia's match against Wales.
Shprygin previously warned all of the group would return to France to attend the Wales game if their visas were not cancelled.
After being detained at the time, he said: “We are to be expelled. I would like to stress, not deported but expelled.
"They are not deporting us with no right of further entry to the country, they are going to expel us. It means we will keep our visas.”
"He was arrested this evening in Toulouse," a spokesman for the Interior Ministry said.
Additional reporting by Reuters
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments