EFL to ‘send letter to Frank Lampard’ after incident with Leeds fans v Coventry
Frank Lampard may receive a letter from the EFL after the Coventry City boss was seen cupping his ears to Leeds United supporters, ex-FIFA referee Keith Hackett has said.
Leeds were 2-0 victors over Lampard’s Coventry at the Coventry Building Society Arena on Wednesday (5 February) and more than a few renditions of ‘Stop crying Frank Lampard’ were sung from the away end.
Lampard was apparently seen cupping his ear in retort to the visiting fans and former PGMOL chief Hackett thinks there could be a reminder sent to the 46-year-old former England midfielder about his actions, particularly after recent messages from the Premier League over players inciting the crowd.
Speaking to MOT Leeds News, Hackett said: “The statement that was issued on the actions of players over celebrating was made by the Premier League spokesperson, not a member of the EFL. The EFL may have a different approach.
“However, the actions by Frank Lampard are not advisable and he may well receive a letter from the authorities giving him some operational advice.
“The police and clubs work hard behind the scenes to control and manage spectators. It’s so important for crowd safety.”
Frank Lampard could be contacted by EFL over Leeds United incident
There is absolutely no love lost between Whites supporters and former Chelsea midfielder Lampard, who was in charge of Derby County when they beat Leeds 4-3 on an aggregate in an incredible play-off semi-final in the 2018-19 campaign.
Lampard was also at the helm for the ‘Spygate’ incident where a member of Leeds’ staff was found acting suspiciously outside Derby’s training ground. Then boss Marcelo Bielsa admitted to sending a member of staff to watch every team train they had played that season resulting in a £200,000 fine (BBC Sport).
Lampard was already a pretty unpopular figure with the Elland Road faithful given his lengthy association with Chelsea, for whom he is the club’s record goalscorer.
But the history of “that” play-off game coupled with the controversy over ‘Spygate’ really entrenched the dislike and Leeds fans have no issue goading Lampard at any chance they get.
It seems they touched a particular nerve last night celebrating a win that took the Whites five points clear at the top of the Championship.
Whether the authorities decide to take action remains to be seen but it appears there is a chance the Coventry boss could be contacted in the near future.
In other Leeds United news, here are our player ratings from the win over Coventry.
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