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FA to review Lille violence and urge England fans to 'behave responsibly'

The Football Association (FA) will review an independent report into violence in Lille on Wednesday after French police arrested 36 people ahead of Thursday's Euro 2016 match between England and Wales in nearby Lens.

Authorities said a further 16 people have been treated in hospital after flares and bangers were lit as French officers charged at chanting fans, spraying tear gas in an attempt to disperse the crowds. Police used pepper spray against an England fan who ran towards them, while fights appeared to break out among English supporters.

Groups of England and Wales fans also clashed with fans of Russia and Slovakia, who were in the city after their game in Lille on Wednesday -- which Slovakia won 2-1.

FA chief executive Martin Glenn urged England and Wales supporters to show "consideration and respect" and revealed the governing body was expecting an independent report into the disturbances on Thursday.

"The atmosphere [in Lille] seemed to change overnight," Glenn told BBC Radio 4. "Independent security people have been there and we'll get a full report today as to what exactly happened."

On Sunday, UEFA threatened to disqualify England and Russia from Euro 2016 after fan violence erupted ahead of and during their 1-1 draw in the opening match in Group B.

And Glenn added: "I think the disqualification threat was clearly made to both Russia and England after the Marseille game, but UEFA were deeply critical of the Russian fans' behaviour in the stadium and that's where focus has been.

"The big story wasn't fans in Lille it was the murder of two French policemen [by a lone attacker in Paris]. A message to all English fans, Welsh fans too, is that the French are trying to deal with a real security threat. So, behave responsibility, come and enjoy the game, but just have a think about the wider position. Show consideration and respect."

Jonathan Ford, CEO of the Welsh FA, thanked Welsh fans for their "absolutely fantastic" support at Euro 2016 and blamed the violence on a "mindless minority."

"We've obviously put the message out, as have the [English] FA, only to travel if you've got a ticket," Ford said. "The Welsh fans have congregated an hour's drive from Lille and that football festival feel was absolutely brilliant there.

"I was out last night in Lille -- there are small pockets [of trouble]. There's always a mindless minority. It doesn't have any place in football. If you think about the number of people visiting France -- there's a million people visiting from across Europe. Generally everyone is being very well behaved, very mindful of the authorities and very respectful. There's just a mindless minority."