France bans alcohol near Euro 2016 stadiums in effort to quell violence

The French government has banned alcohol around all Euro 2016 stadiums and in fan zones across the country in response to the eruption of violence that's marred the tournament thus far.

Ugly encounters between rival fans, locals, and police - particularly in Marseille, where Russia and England supporters were at the centre of clashes over the past three days - have resulted in a slew of injuries.

The violence took place before, during, and after the 1-1 draw between the two sides at Stade Velodrome, prompting UEFA to threaten expulsion for both nations if issues continue.

Related: 'Disgusted' UEFA threatens to boot England, Russia if violence persists

"I have asked for all necessary measures to be taken to prohibit the sale, consumption, and transport of alcoholic drinks in sensitive areas on match days and the day before, and on days when fan zones are open," French interior minister Bernard Cazeneuve said of the ban, per ESPN FC.

"The events which took place in Marseille yesterday evening are unacceptable. Unacceptable for the authorities, unacceptable for society, unacceptable for football lovers," Cazeneuve added.

Riot police were deployed to deal with the unrest on Saturday, when hundreds of fans fought and threw bottles, chairs, and other projectiles at each other in Marseille's Old Port area.

The problems weren't limited to just that city, however.

The alcohol ban, which Cazeneuve said will include public areas and shops, will also see bars and cafes prohibited from serving drinks in containers that could be used as projectiles.