A FOOTBALL fan from Clacton who travelled to France for the European Championships has described the chaotic scenes as violent thugs attacked England fans.

Chris Cowlin and his dad Martin went to cheer England on at the star-studded tournament and secured tickets for England’s opening game against Russia in Marseille on Saturday night.

Chris says the atmosphere was electric and helped make it an experience to remember.

But it turned sour when England supporters were targeted by violent Russian thugs – both inside and outside the stadium.

Chris said: “I have been saying for years that I wanted to go to a major tournament, either the Euros or a World Cup, and as soon as I knew France was hosting I couldn't turn that down.

“We went down to Marseille port early on Saturday afternoon to soak up the atmosphere.

“The England fans are without doubt the loudest and the most passionate and it was so busy.

“Thousands of police were present throughout Marseille, but they didn't stop a group of Russian fans attack the England supporters having a drink and enjoying themselves.

“There were young children, women and people in wheelchairs caught up in it. It was awful.”

But worse came immediately after the match – a 1-1 draw inside the spectacular Stade Velodrome – when a group of Russia fans wearing balaclavas rushed the England fans in one of the stands.

Chris was on the far side of the stadium from the trouble.

He said: “They came prepared to attack the English fans. It was a nightmare.

“Luckily I was at the opposite stand. The stand where the trouble started was a half and half mix of fans which no separation, which just led to problems.

“I heard many fans and had conversations with people who were in that stand and they said they have never been so scared at a football match before.

“There were so many innocent people just trying to enjoy themselves at such a great competition.

“It was a worry that Russian fans got flares in the stadium when it is meant to be such high security.

“I think the security measures need to be stepped up and a zero tolerance policy put in place by the police to prevent any further trouble and injuries to innocent people.

“For the first 24 hours in France all we could hear was sirens going off.

“It was scary and it would be a lie if I said I wasn't worried that we could be a target as well, especially as I was wearing an England shirt.”

Horrific videos are circulating on the internet showing footage of clashes between sets of supporters.

Several England fans have been arrested and been given jail sentences for their part in the trouble outside the ground.

But the most serious condemnation has come for the Russia fans.

UEFA says about 150 “trained” Russians travelled to the tournament specifically to cause trouble.

On Tuesday the Russian team was given a suspended disqualification from the Championships, based on the future behaviour of their supporters.

But Chris Cowlin said even the hooliganism could not detract from the experience.

He added: “I thought we played very well and the atmosphere in the Velodrome stadium was absolutely amazing, every fan forgets about which club team they support at home and they all get behind the national team.

“When we all sang the national anthem it gave me goose bumps and the hairs stuck up on the back of my neck - it was an amazing experience and Marseille is a beautiful place.”