Russia striker Fedor Smolov has claimed Russian fans who attacked England supporters in Marseille were "provoked".
Three Russian fans were handed jail terms by the French authorities on Thursday for their role in attacking England supporters.
Meanwhile, on Saturday a group of 20 Russian football fans were expelled from France for their role in organised attacks against England fans in Marseille.
"I'd like the supporters to go on backing us. As for everything that goes on around us, there's a number of videos that have been uploaded on the web, and clearly the English really did provoke them," said Smolov.
Russia face Wales on Monday in a crunch Group B clash the Russians must win to have any chance of qualifying for the last 16 of the tournament.
However, their preparations have been overshadowed by violent clashes in the past week.
UEFA has said Russia will be kicked out of the competition if their fans cause more trouble inside a stadium during the tournament.
And Smolov urged violent supporters to go "fight elsewhere".
"Clearly, these events should not go on in football stands. If people want to go out with the intention of fighting, they should fight elsewhere," he added. "They shouldn't do it in the stadium."
Meanwhile, Wayne Nash, the Welsh FA's national security officer, told the Sunday Times there was a "degree of nervousness" about supporter safety surrounding the game and added: "We've all witnessed the scenes that happened in Marseille. It was shocking. The actions are deplorable."