Brexit talk hits Euro 2016

PARIS – Britain’s momentous decision to leave the European Union was the talk of soccer’s European Championship on Friday, with one leading Italian player even warning about an undermining “domino effect” across Europe.

Wales coach Chris Coleman spoke of the virtues of free movement of workers in Europe, while England striker Harry Kane conceded to having little interest in the referendum that changed his country’s political destiny. Northern Ireland coach Michael O’Neill rued his failure to cast a ballot.

Discussion wasn’t just isolated to the ranks of the British teams at the tournament in France.

Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini broke off from preparations for Monday’s game against Spain to provide a considered analysis of Brexit.

“The main concern should be about an eventual domino effect caused by this decision,” Chiellini said.

“This vote is the symbol of a general discussion that you can feel in Italy and all across Europe, but I think that discontent shouldn’t lead to a vote for disintegration.”

The results of the referendum on British’s future in the 28-country EU have already sent shockwaves around global financial markets and triggered Prime Minister David Cameron to announce his intention to resign.

Historic events clearly don’t seem to be resonating among the England squad.

“I don’t know enough about it to be concerned about it,” Kane said at England’s training camp near Paris. “And I don’t think the other players do as well.”

But players from continental teams were more willing to talk, expressing trepidation about the impact of Britain’s impending EU departure.

“You always had such a feeling of unity (in Europe),” Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer said. “It’s a bit of a shame that Britain ... doesn’t belong to it anymore.”

When it comes to European soccer, Britain has five separate teams: England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales and the overseas territory of Gibraltar.

Only England, Northern Ireland and Wales qualified for Euro 2016 and all three are seeking to avoid their own exit from the tournament.

Just as Britain decided to split from Europe there will an influx of Britons to France on Saturday when Wales and Northern Ireland play at the Parc des Princes in Paris in a round of 16 match. Because of the fall in the pound in the referendum’s aftermath, it’s going to be more expensive.