England duo expect loved ones to attend Wales tie despite worries over violence

14 June 2016 13:23

England have no plans to keep friends and family away from their Euro 2016 match against Wales despite worries over more fan violence.

Football Association chairman Greg Dyke wrote to UEFA about his dissatisfaction with stewarding during England's 1-1 draw with Russia, a game that was preceded by battles between fans in Marseille and ended with Three Lions fans being attacked in the stand.

He also said he harboured "serious concerns" over Thursday's meeting with Wales in Lens, with Russia playing in nearby Lille the day before.

Jamie Vardy's wife Rebekah was caught up in some of the disturbances outside the stadium, tweeting that fans were "treated like animals" by police.

But England pair Adam Lallana and Ryan Bertrand said they expected their loved ones to attend as normal.

"No, I'm not concerned. I've got friends and family coming to the game," said Lallana.

"I trust everyone to be sensible and safe. It's not nice to see, we've just got to hope the security is there and trust everyone to do their job."

Bertrand added: "The players are fully confident that the security staff are in charge and they will fully control the situation and families will be safe.

"We reiterate that response to try and be sensible and stay safe."

The FA have a private website for players and staff, on which safety advice, logistical details and contact numbers are made available.

An FA spokesman said: "We run a private website for friends and family that players can access with up to date information and we have staff in place from an operational and security point of view.

"If there are any concerns, family members can contact them and will be given advice."

The site was not set up as a direct response to clashes in France and was in service as far back as February, following a squad get together at St George's Park.

England, meanwhile, remain under the threat of disqualification from the competition should there be any repeat of the ugly scenes which marred their time in Marseille.

Russia have been fined 150,000 euros and handed a suspended disqualification by UEFA, who have warned the FA that they are under threat of expulsion too.

Manager Roy Hodgson and captain Wayne Rooney recorded a video message to fans on Monday, appealing for calm and asking those without tickets not to travel.

Lallana is desperate not to be kicked out of the competition on non-footballing grounds and reiterated the call for supporters to avoid incident.

''It would be devastating,'' he said.

''Our message is for everyone to be safe and sensible. By all means enjoy the match, but be respectful that we are out there.

"(We're there) Supporting our country and playing for our country, so for everyone to be sensible and safe is the message."

Bertrand added: "Roy and Wayne put out a message yesterday and we're fully behind that message. Hopefully the England fans can just be safe and sensible."

Source: PA