THE brutality of Russian hooliganism can be tracked back to a traditional peasant fighting game which has been taking place for hundreds of years.

Stenka na Stenku (Wall on Wall) sees hard men from neighbouring towns go toe-to-toe in last man standing fights in fields and forests.

The ancient fist fights date from early 13th century and are held to honour the ancient god Perun - who is considered the saint of soldiers.

Brawls - rarely held these days-  could involve up to 100 fighters and are frighteningly reminiscent of the training fights hooligans hold today.

The Sun online has revealed how the bulk of football yob clashes now take place in remote areas away from the police and CCTV.

In Stenka na Stenku groups from two neighbouring areas meet at an arranged point and assemble themselves into two lines, or “walls”.

They then walk towards each other with the aim was to flatten the opposing “wall” by any means necessary.

The Soviet authorities attempted to crack down on the battles, even imposing a ban in the mid 1950s.

However, the brutal clashes still take place now - even though many have switched their fighting talents to football rivalry.

“Football hooliganism just replaced Stenka na Stenku,” one hooligan called Vadim revealed.

“Up to then there was no focus to the violence. Football just provided that focal point.

"The whole scene is just an extension of Stenka.”

Another hardened hooligan added: "It's in our blood. We are born to fight."

And that's bad news for the England fans thinking of heading to the footballing showcase later this year.

Many remember the "hyper rapid, hyper violent" Russian hooligans who attacked Three Lions supporters in Marseilles in 2016.

The horror scenes from France shocked the footballing world throughout the European Championships.

French prosecutors later announced some 150 Russians were behind the violence ahead of the 1-1 draw with England in Marseille.

Yobs wearing MMA gloves and sporting gumshields attacked England fans with military precision.

They threw chairs and beer bottles in violent battles the National Police Chiefs' Council said were "on a scale we haven't seen for many years".

At the time, the lead for football policing, Assistant Chief Constable Mark Roberts said: "The violence in Marseilles was highly organised and those involved appeared determined to carry out sustained attacks at a level of aggression I have not encountered in the past 10 years."

It's already been revealed thousands of Three Lions supporters are planning to snub the World Cup over fears of attacks.

Some ultras are even vowing to set England fans on FIRE at the World Cup this summer.

Social media posts from accounts linked to notorious thugs claim an "insidious plan" is already underway in the wake of the poison row over Sergei Skripal.

In another post, a Russian claims that "in certain circles" a plan is underway to "lure Britons" to stay in the town of Reutov, east of Moscow, during the tournament so they can be more easily targeted.

Russian Ultras have even taunted England fans who threw bicycles into canals during clashes with police in Amsterdam.

They took to hooligan websites to poke fun at England fans and warned them they “better go to the gym”.

One said: “OK so you want a fight – we’ll give you a fight. Every one of you. Not just a lot of singing.’’

Another wrote: “You will need to do more than throw a bicycle. Welcome to hell.’’

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Brits are already being warned that due to heightened political tensions between the UK and Russia they should be wary while in Russia.

A government statement adds: "You’re advised to remain vigilant, avoid any protests or demonstrations and avoid commenting publicly on political developments.

"You should follow the security and political situation closely and keep up to date with this travel advice."

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