Brendan Rodgers hits out at Southampton fans’ reception of Adam Lallana

Brendan Rodgers levelled fierce criticism at Southampton for failing to pay tribute to Adam Lallana and Rickie Lambert on their return to the south coast club with Liverpool.

Lallana, who came through the ranks at Southampton and helped the club climb from League One to the Premier League before moving to Anfield last summer, was roundly booed by home fans as he helped his new club to a 2-0 victory.

Lambert was less harshly treated, but Saints fans also booed Dejan Lovren, another former Southampton player, and Rodgers was upset the club opted not to mention any of the three in their match day programme.

“I was disappointed for Adam. He was captain here for two years, gave incredible service to Southampton, and could have left a number of times and didn’t. To get the reception he did was disappointing,” Rodgers said.

“For former servants or players, there’s always some appreciation. But nothing here. For me that’s a wee bit sad.”