About 20,000 Russian football fans are expected to travel to Brazil for the upcoming World Cup tournament, the head of the Russian consulate in Rio de Janeiro has said.
Of this number, about 500 people have been labeled as "violent fans, who may require special attention from consular services and law enforcement agencies," consulate head Andrei Budayev said, Itar-Tass reported Monday.
Budayev also called on Russian fans to employ "common sense" during the tournament to avoid getting into any unwanted trouble.
"Avoid risky behavior, comply with the laws, rules and customs of the host country in order to avoid any misunderstandings and conflicts," Burdayev was quoted as saying by Itar-Tass.
He added that an an extra six diplomats would be flying out to the Brazilian capital during the course of the tournament in order to "strengthen the consulates' ability to protect the rights and interests of Russian citizens."
The World Cup, which takes place every four years, kicks off in Sao Paulo this Friday when home nation Brazil take on Croatia at the Arena Corinthians.
Russia play South Korea in their first game next Tuesday, before facing Algeria and Belgium, with the top two teams in the group progressing through to the next round.
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