Racism row: Lampard criticises Mourinho
LONDON: Chelsea manager Frank Lampard spoke up for Antonio Rudiger on Tuesday after the defender was criticised by Tottenham Hotspur boss Jose Mourinho for his part in the sending off of Son Heungmin in Sunday’s 2-0 derby win.
Son kicked out in retaliation at Rudiger as they challenged for the ball, and referee Anthony Taylor produced a straight red after a VAR review, leaving hosts Spurs with 10 men for the last half hour.
Mourinho had taken a dig at Rudiger, who was also allegedly racially abused after the incident, for going down too easily, telling him to “stand up and play”, but Lampard said the red card was the correct decision.
“With Toni and this incident, when he’s having to post after the game about something that we know is a huge deal, I think to question his integrity in that time is disappointing,” Lampard told reporters ahead of Thursday’s game against Southampton.
“What I heard on the commentary and post-match reflection is that the Son incident was a red card... It wasn’t a brutal red card but it was an instinctive one that warrants a red card in the modern day. I wouldn’t question Toni’s integrity on that.”
British media reported on Tuesday that Spurs had failed in their appeal to the Football Association to get Son’s ban overturned and the forward will miss the next three games against Brighton & Hove Albion, Norwich City and Southampton.
Rudiger had urged Tottenham on Twitter to find and punish the individuals who allegedly directed racist abuse at him during the match, and the club confirmed they were investigating the incident with the help of CCTV footage.
“I saw Toni’s social media post, I thought it was well put, from the heart and something he obviously feels very strongly about,” Lampard added.
“I would like to think that the players know I’m with them on anything like this.”
SPURS BAN FAN
Tottenham Hotspur have identified and banned a supporter who threw a cup at Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga.
With his side already two goals down, Kepa was targeted by a supporter behind the goal in the 65th minute, with the cup missing the Spanish goalkeeper by inches when he walked across his six-yard box.
“We can confirm that we have identified and issued an immediate ban to the individual responsible for throwing a cup at Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga,” the club said in a statement. “We shall continue to take the strongest action possible against anyone found to be behaving in this way.”
Spurs said their investigation into the alleged racial abuse of Rudiger was “remains ongoing”.
CHELSEA FAN HELD
A Chelsea supporter was arrested for allegedly racially abusing Son Heung-min. “Chelsea Football Club will not tolerate any form of racism, nor is there a place at this club for anyone who is found to have engaged in such behaviour,” a club statement was quoted as saying by ESPNFC.
“If a season ticket holder or member is involved, we will take the strongest possible action... We will also support any potential criminal proceedings by the relevant authorities.”
The Metropolitan Police at the London derby made the only arrest for racism in the game.
FIFA, EPL NORMS VARY
When FIFA asked every competition to enforce a three-step procedure in response to racism at matches, the Premier League did not follow the advice.