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Russian hooligan wanted for savage attack on England fan arrested

A supporter of Russia displays the Russian flag with a bear and a-Go Russia- catchword on the stand in the Volleyball European Championships Finals group B
Image: The 31-year-old risks up to 15 years in jail in France for attempted homicide and grievous bodily harm

A Russian football hooligan wanted for savagely attacking an England fan during Euro 2016 in France has been arrested in Germany.

"Police detained the wanted man on his arrival in Erdinger Moos from Moscow," a German police statement said, adding the 31-year-old risks up to 15 years in jail in France for attempted homicide and grievous bodily harm.

French authorities had for months been seeking the suspect, who was not named and, along with several other Russian hooligans, is accused of attacking 51-year-old England fan Andrew Bache ahead of the Russia-England match in Marseille.

Image: England fans were attacked in the stands in Marseille by Russia supporters

Bache was left paralysed on the left-hand side of his body after being hit around the head with an iron bar.

French authorities issued an arrest warrant for the Russian suspect in December 2017 after months of work with British police to identify the perpetrators of the assault.

The suspect was arrested en route from Moscow to Bilbao in Spain, where he was travelling for the Europa League match between Athletic Bilbao and Spartak Moscow on Thursday.

England fans react after police sprayed tear gas in Marseille
Image: Marseille police used tear gas on England and Russia fans on the streets of Marseille

The violence had marred the European football tournament and raised concerns over Russia's hosting of this year's World Cup.

England supporters were attacked on the streets of Marseille and subjected to tear gas from the city's police force, before facing another attack in the stands from Russia fans during the game.

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