PREMIER LEAGUE

LAMPARD WANTS FA SYMPATHY IN WAKE OF CARLO’S RED CARD

FRANK LAMPARD has called for managers to be cut more slack when tempers boil over in the wake of Carlo Ancelotti’s red card.

Everton’s former Chelsea manager Ancelotti was handed an £8,000 fine by the FA this week, for his confrontation with referee Chris Kavanagh, after his side’s game with Manchester United last Sunday.

Lampard admitted last night he was pleased Ancelotti escaped a touchline ban, saying he is looking forward to taking on his old boss tomorrow at Stamford Bridge.

But the Chelsea manager hit out at the severity of the Italian’s punishment.

Lampard (right), part of Ancelotti’s Double-winning Chelsea team in 2009-10, said: “It wasn’t the most vicious of reds, was it? I was surprised the sending off came. I’m on this side, I understand the emotions involved. I think that’s probably as heated, as high, as Carlo goes.

“It’s not easy to keep your emotions in check. Some days can rile you more than others. We’ve had VAR this year – which h a s brought in a different animal.

“Managers should be given some leeway in terms of how much you might lose your rag. Carlo wasn’t doing anything terrible. He seems to have taken his fine and moved on, and I’m pleased he’s on the touchline. I want to see him and go up against him.

“But you can lose it. You do have to try and stay the right side of the line, obviously, because everyone is watching, children are watching. People look up to you and you try to do the right thing.”

In the title- winning season under Ancelotti,

Chelsea scored a record

103 goals, and

Lampard himnetted 27 self from midfield – the best haul of his career.

And the former midfielder said: “He was never too high, never too low. To have consistency in a manager is a great thing. You didn’t have those mood swings that maybe I have now - but that you try to keep a lid on!”

Lampard has major injury problems, with Mateo Kovacic out and Willian also struggling. But he is set to bring back Willy Caballero in goal.

OUT OF CHARACTER Mild-mannered Carlo Ancelotti is shown the red card last week