Lamps: Ditch hurtful song

FRANK LAMPARD savoured victory in his first game as Chelsea manager on English soil and then urged supporters to retire a popular song in his honour.

There were more than 2,000 away fans at Reading as Lampard’s team won with goals from Ross Barkley, Kenedy and two from Mason Mount.

They showed their vocal backing for their returning hero but one song references his 200th goal for the club, scored against West Ham, and features a word considered to be offensive to the traveller community.

‘The support from the fans was incredible,’ said Lampard. ‘I didn’t hear the song in question, and of course if there’s a song that has offensive words I don’t want to hear that. I’m saying that as a big Chelsea man who really appreciates the support I’ve had over the years.

‘We don’t want songs with offensive words. We don’t want to hear that. If the fans could sing other songs then I’ll back that.

‘The club are very clear with the work we do off the pitch about anything that’s offensive or prejudiced and we’ve made a big mark on that.’

Chelsea have won three of their five pre-season friendlies and will complete preparations with games in Austria and Germany before the Premier League opener at Manchester United on Sunday week.

‘I’m pleased,’ said Lampard. ‘The clock’s ticking, though, and there’s still work to be done before Manchester United.’

N’Golo Kante, who was sent home early from Japan to continue his recovery from a knee injury, was not involved at Reading but Chelsea expect to have him fit to play some part at Old Trafford.

‘I’m hopeful he will be ready,’ said Lampard. ‘He’s dipped into training with us in the last couple of days. I’d expect him to be training through the week to the point where he is training fully at the start of next week.’