Adam Lallana admits it would be 'devastating' if England were kicked out of Euro 2016
Tuesday 14 June 2016 13:21, UK
Adam Lallana admits it would be "devastating" if England were kicked out of Euro 2016 over crowd trouble but says he has no concerns about the safety of family and friends watching him against Wales.
England fans were attacked by Russian ultras following Saturday's 1-1 Euro 2016 draw in Marseille, with clashes between the two sets of supporters also taking place before and after the game.
UEFA has hit Russia with a suspended disqualification from the tournament following the ugly scenes at the final whistle, meaning they will be sent home if there is any more violence in the stands caused by their fans.
Europe's governing body initially threatened England with the same sanction, although the Football Association has not been formally charged like the Russian Football Union.
Lallana admits the players have talked about the scenes at full-time, with goalkeeper Joe Hart pictured gesturing to England fans to remain safe.
FA chairman Greg Dyke has voiced his fears over security arrangements for Thursday's Group B match against Wales in Lens, with Russia playing the day before in nearby Lille, and midfielder Lallana is praying there is no more trouble.
"A little bit has been discussed, I didn't see it," he said. "I've heard what Joe saw and I was in getting a drugs test. It is not nice to see. We've just got to hope that the security is there and trust everyone to do their job.
"I've got friends and family coming to the game but I trust everyone to be sensible and safe. Obviously it is a big game, England v Wales, but I've just got to focus on my job which is playing football and hopefully everyone can do their job off the field."
Lallana reiterated Roy Hodgson and Wayne Rooney's message to England fans, pleading for them to steer clear of trouble, after UEFA threatened both them and Russia with expulsion from the tournament.
"It would be devastating," he said. "Our message is for everyone just to be safe and sensible and, by all means enjoy their day and the match, but be respectful that we are out there playing, supporting our country and playing for our country.
"So, for everyone to be sensible and safe is the message."
Lallana learned of the punishment handed down to Russia by UEFA while he was taking questions from the media ahead of the Wales game, but said it was not for him to decide if that was an appropriate sanction.
"It's not really for me to comment on that, I don't make any decisions," he said. "I didn't really see everything that went on. I got whisked down the tunnel and had a drugs test so I wasn't even on the pitch after to see any events that were taking place."
