THE behaviour of England fans in Marseille is "embarrassing", given the terror threat faced by France, shadow home secretary Andy Burnham has said.
His comments came after French riot police made nine arrests and were involved in a series of pitched battles with England football fans in Marseille.
Officers in riot gear clashed with fans who threw bottles at police who used tear gas to disperse England fans in incidents that threaten to overshadow the country's opening Euro 2016 game against Russia. Fans already scorned over trouble in Marseille have also been criticised for sectarian singing.
The condemnation emerged as video footage emerged showing England fans chanting "No Surrender to the IRA" as well as "f... the IRA" at the Irish bar O'Malley's.
The same sectarian chants rang around Parkhead in November, 2014, when England played Scotland in a friendly while "No Surrender" banners were also unfurled.
Celtic Park was close to its 60,000 capacity for the much-anticipated game as the neighbours met on Scottish turf for the first time in 15 years.
After the match the English FA apologised and issued a warning that such songs would not be accepted.
An FA spokesman said at the time: “The FA does not condone inappropriate and offensive chanting and intends to meet with supporters’ groups to discuss the wider issues.
“We have consistently urged supporters to show respect and not to chant songs that could be regarded as insulting to others - particularly from a religious or political perspective."
Overnight fans were also heard to sing: “F...off Europe, we’re all voting out.” They also sang anti-German songs before singing: “Sit down if you hate the French.”
Mr Burnham said England fans had been "let down by a minority", who may have been provoked but were "not blameless".
In a series of tweets, Labour's Mr Burnham said when the terror threat in France was taken into account, it made the "behaviour of these England 'fans' even more embarrassing".
Anthony Heraud, manager of O’Malley’s bar, where English fans were involved in running clashes with locals claimed on Friday that French troublemakers from outside Marseilles had deliberately provoked the violence.
Videos of the IRA chants were uploaded by @bendepear on Twitter and Brian Brian MacCombie on YouTube
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