Frank Lampard says Liverpool’s bench ‘crossed the line’ and he DOESN’T regret behaviour
Chelsea boss Frank Lampard regrets the language he used in an x-rated tirade fired at Liverpool’s backroom staff but made no apologies for the passion and emotion which fuelled it.
Lampard’s furious outburst was caught on camera and his expletives echoed around the empty stadium during a 5-3 defeat at Anfield on Wednesday.
His target was not Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp but one of his coaches on the bench.
Frank Lampard insists Liverpool’s bench ‘crossed the line’ during a blazing row on Wednesday
The pair had a heated exchange as Liverpool beat Chelsea 5-3 earlier this week
‘In terms of the language I used I do regret that,’ said Lampard. ‘These things get replayed a lot on social media and I’m aware of that. I’ve got two young daughters on social media. So I regret that.
‘In terms of regretting having passion to defend my team, no. I could have maybe handled it slightly differently to keep that language in.’
Lampard insisted he did not begrudge the newly-crowned champions their right to celebrate on a night when they were presented with the trophy for their first title in 30 years.
But he was wrapped up in the tension as Chelsea’s pursued the one point they needed to secure a place in next season’s Champions League.
‘I wasn’t upset with the celebrating of the Liverpool team,’ Lampard added. ‘Far from it. Liverpool should celebrate as much as they want.
‘With the season they’ve had they can celebrate like they did after the game, like they can celebrate every goal they score, like they celebrated when they won the league a month ago and like they’re talking about celebrating one more time with their fans.
Footage emerged showing the extent of Frank Lampard’s rant aimed at the Liverpool bench
Lampard was heard telling Liverpool’s coaching staff to ‘f*** off’ in the heated exchange
Lampard wishes he used softer language but stressed he would always defend his team
‘I would have had a beer with Jurgen Klopp and toasted what they’ve done this year.
‘But there were things on the line I didn’t like from their bench. Not Jurgen Klopp, people behind the bench which I felt crossed the line and that’s what got me agitated.
‘But it’s done. Emotions run high among most managers, players and fans in this game. I regret the language and move on.’
Chelsea play their final Premier League game of the season against Wolves on Sunday. They still require one point to be sure of qualifying for the Champions League.
N’Golo Kante could return from injury after he returned to full training with the first team.
The Chelsea boss is preparing to face Wolves on Sunday to secure Champions League football
