Euro 2016 Russian footballers punished over Champagne party

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Two Russian footballers who played for their country in Euro 2016 in France have been punished by their domestic clubs after being seen at party in Monte Carlo surrounded by Champagne.

The pair, who both played for Russia in a disappointing Euro 2016 tournament for the country, denied ordering the Champagne. But, they have received heavy criticism in Russia – including from a spokesperson for president Vladimir Putin.

A video clip of the party shows dozens of bottles of Armand de Brignac Ace of Spades Champagne on trays decorated with sparklers.

The Russian national anthem can be heard playing on loud speakers in the background.

Media reports said that €250,000 of Champagne was ordered at the party, held at Monte Carlo’s Twiga nightclub, although the amount could not be verified.

A bottle of Armand de Brignac, Ace of Spades Brut Gold, non-vintage, can be bought online for around £200, and the brand is owned by rapper Jay-Z.

The players, Aleksandr Kokorin and Pavel Mamaev, said the party was nothing to do with them.

However, their domestic clubs have temporarily sent both players to train with the reserves.

Maxim Mitrofanov, club director at Zenit St Petersburg, makes a statement on the party.

Zenit St Petersburg, which is Kokorin’s club, said on its website, ‘Unfortunately, some Russian players can find themselves in these scandalous situations due to a lack of common sense.

‘We have conducted our own investigation into this episode and it has given the entirety of Russian football damage to its reputation.

‘Therefore the club have decided to move Alexander Kokorin to Zenit-2 [reserve team] and impose on him a substantial monetary fine.’