UEFA has fined the Russian football association 120,000 Euros and deducted the team six points from the next Euro qualifying campaign. However, the points deduction has been suspended, which means it will come into effect if Russian hooligans cause any more trouble between now and the end of Euro 2016 qualifying.

The punishment was for Russian fans’ behaviour after their 4-1 win over the Czech Republic in Poland last week. A group of supporters attacked stadium stewards and sent four of them to hospital. Other incidents included throwing fireworks on the pitch and displaying illicit banners and flags.

Russia has three days to appeal the fine and deduction, but considering the trouble that flared between Russian and Polish hooligans ahead of their 1-1 draw on June 12 it’s unlikely they’ll risk it. Right after UEFA announced the punishment for Russia, it also charged the country’s football federation with more offenses relating to their fans’ behaviour inside the stadium against Poland.

In addition, UEFA is still investigating alleged racial abuse by Russian supporters against Czech defender Theodor Gebre Selassie in their opening match. While UEFA has the power to punish teams for fan trouble inside of stadiums, it doesn’t have authority to punish them for trouble that occurs away from the grounds, such as the clashes with Polish hooligans in downtown Warsaw.

It’s believed that the money Russia has been fined could be deducted from their share of Euro 2012 bonuses and prize money. If they win the tournament they will earn just over 15 million pounds. UEFA also charged Poland's football association because the team’s fans lit fireworks in the stadium as well.

One question is, with all of the advanced technology and security in this era, how are supporters getting into stadiums with flares and fireworks in the first place?