Russia will spend the next three-and-a-half years playing under the threat of a six-point deduction for their 2016 European Championship qualify campaign after UEFA on Wednesday got tough over the behaviour of their fans.

The Russian Football Union were also fined 120,000 euros for the “improper conduct” of their supporters during their opening Euro 2012 Group A match against Czech Republic on Friday.

UEFA said in a statement: “The UEFA Control and Disciplinary Body has today decided to impose a deduction of six points on the Football Union of Russia (RFS) in the qualifying round of the next UEFA European Football Championship.

“This decision is suspended for a probationary period running from now until the end of the play-offs of the next UEFA European Football Championship (Euro 2016). The Football Union of Russia (RFS) has also been fined 120,000 euros.

“The RFS was facing charges for the improper conduct of its supporters (crowd disturbances), the setting off and throwing of fireworks and the display of illicit banners at last Friday’s UEFA Euro 2012 Group A match against the Czech Republic in Wroclaw.

“An appeal can be lodged against this decision within three days of the dispatch of the written decision.”

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