Chips are down for Barkley as Lamps brands him ‘naive’
FRANK LAMPARD has accused Chelsea midfielder Ross Barkley of being “naive” following his embarrassing dispute with a taxi driver in Liverpool.
The 25-year-old Barkley was filmed in his home town on Sunday night having a blazing row with the cabbie over chips that were spilt in the back of his vehicle.
Police were called and the England man was escorted to a cashpoint where he drew money out and paid the driver, who then drove off.
The incident occurred before the Blues, who lost their Champions League opener to Valencia last month, travelled to France for their second Group H game in Lille.
“What he has done is to be naive to be out on that evening in the build-up to a Champions League game,” said Lampard. “He has admitted that.
“I am very aware of that. On a professional level, those are things that shouldn’t happen.
“Ross hasn’t broken a club code.The lads were given a day off on Sunday.
“He has travelled with us. I don’t expect to have to give permission on a day off to be in Liverpool.
“Liverpool is the least of my worries.
It is only a few hours to get up there and back, especially when your family is up there. It is important for people to see them.
“He hasn’t committed a crime other than eating chips in the back of a cab.
“I like Ross. I have had no problem with him. He works hard and wants to do well.This morning he admitted making a mistake. I will take that one at face value and we move on.”
Barkley missed a late penalty against Valencia at Stamford Bridge, costing his side a draw.
Lampard also warned the rest of his young squad about their responsibilities when out and about.
“Unfortunately for them, and this isn’t an excuse, they live in the modern day where there are many benefits but also difficulties,” said the Chelsea manager.
“People – I don’t know why – pick up their phone and try and video people in any moment they think might be interesting to possibly sell or pass on.
“What the lads need to do for their own benefit is behave. Secondly, be aware of the pitfalls.”
Lampard said he expects to be able to call on key player N’Golo Kante tonight after the France midfielder missed the 2-0 home victory over Brighton on Saturday because of a hamstring problem.