What Frank Lampard said after controversial Southampton v Coventry City incident - fans are reacting | OneFootball

Frank Lampard has reflected on the controversial aftermath of Coventry City's 1-1 draw against Southampton

Frank Lampard has clarified that he has no issue with Southampton defender Taylor Harwood-Bellis following Coventry City’s 1-1 draw at St. Mary’s.

Tempers flared after the final whistle on Saturday afternoon, with the Sky Blues manager sharing an exchange with the centre-back.

Lampard’s side hung on in the final stages of the game to earn a valuable point against the Hampshire outfit, having been reduced to 10 men at the beginning of the second half.

Ephron Mason-Clark had given Coventry a 1-0 advantage at half time, before Jay Dasilva was dismissed.

Nathan Wood equalised in the 56th minute, with the two teams sharing the spoils to leave the visitors top of the table by six points on Christmas.

Frank Lampard responds to Coventry City and Southampton dust up

Lampard has clarified that his issue is with the Southampton supporters, however he has apologised for his comments after the game.

He believes that he got caught up in the heat of the moment due to the tough fight that his side endured in order to hold onto the 1-1 scoreline while down to 10 men and that he has no issue with Taylor Harwood-Bellis.

“I’ve got no problem with Taylor, it’s fine,” said Lampard, via Sky Sports Football on X.

“I understand when a player, in front of their own fans, defends the situation.

“We’ve got this modern-day phenomenon where I think fans can say to you in the last 10 minutes on the line and you’re not allowed to walk onto the pitch, and you’ve got emotions high.

“That’s how I am, heart on my sleeve.

“I feel a bit calmer now, apologies for language, maybe that stand will apologise for their language (laughs}, I’m well and truly over that one.

“And it got a bit heated, but I think sometimes you take that 99 minutes and you’re hanging on, seeing the players do what they do, I feel it will live with them.

“What happens on the pitch is my prerogative, I can look back and reflect on it.

“As I say, fans can say one thing but we’re the ones in the arena fighting for something and we’ve got a point.”

Coventry supporters have responded positively to Lampard’s reaction after the game and these remarks.

They are pleased to see his passion for the club, with the Sky Blues now firmly in the lead of the table.

Lampard has proved a popular figure in his time at the CBS Arena and this latest situation has only further ingratiated himself to supporters.

The former England international has been applauded for how he handled the aftermath of the altercation.

Meanwhile, some Southampton fans have compared him to their former boss Nathan Jones following the incident.

And others have made fun of his joke regarding the stand of Southampton supporters issuing an apology of their own.

Lampard has also been told that he should be more used to receiving harsh criticism from opposition supporters, and that it's a part of the job that he has to live with.

Next up for Coventry is a home clash against Swansea City on 26 December, where avoiding defeat will ensure the club go into 2026 at the top of the Championship table.

Heat of the moment got to Frank Lampard

This situation after the Southampton draw was just a heat of the moment thing from Lampard, and he’s obviously calmed down by the time he’s spoken with the media.

The 47-year-old is a passionate guy and it’s no surprise that he’s been involved in a moment like this, particularly after such an intense game.

But, aside from what happened after the final whistle, it’s still a valuable point for Coventry and puts them six clear of Middlesbrough in second.