Southampton and Coventry have been charged by the FA following their fiery 1-1 draw in the Championship that saw visiting boss Frank Lampard react angrily to jibes from Saints fans – and players and staff from both sides brawling on the field.
After the final whistle on Saturday, a melee unfolded on the pitch and the FA confirmed that both clubs will face action.
The Chelsea legend – who has the Sky Blues six points clear at the top of the Championship – was taunted by a boisterous home crowd at full-time at St Mary’s, who chanted that he was a ‘s*** Steven Gerrard’.
After Lampard saw his side hold on for a draw despite going down to 10 men early in the second half, he walked on to the pitch and directed a sacastic thumbs-up gesture at the home fans.
Southampton forward Leo Scienza then engaged in a heated chat with Lampard, sparking chaotic scenes which saw several players, substitutes and backroom staff clash, with plenty of pushing and shoving and several players ending up on the floor.
Lampard later said sorry for his role in the melee, but also pointed the finger at the home fans for their conduct during the game.
Frank Lampard was named Championship manager of the month in October and November
The 47-year-old said: ‘Heart on sleeve, I feel a bit calmer now. I apologise for my language, and maybe that stand will apologise for their language.
‘I’m well and truly over that one and it got a bit heated but sometimes you take that 99 minutes and you’re hanging on and seeing the players do what they do, and I feel I live it with them.’
An FA spokesperson confirmed: ‘Southampton and Coventry have been charged following their Championship fixture on Saturday December 20.
‘It’s alleged that both clubs failed to ensure their players and/or technical area staff did not behave in an improper and/or provocative way after the final whistle.
‘Southampton and Coventry have until Tuesday December 30 to provide their respective responses.’
