Champions League - Lampard defends Drogba

Eurosport - Fri, 08 May 09:58:00 2009

Frank Lampard has refused to condemn Didier Drogba for his angry reaction to Chelsea's Champions League exit at the hands of Barcelona.

The Ivory Coast striker ranted at referee Tom Henning Ovrebo after Wednesday's semi-final about a number of rejected penalty appeals and also swore on live television, for which he later apologised.

"I can understand Didier's reactions," said Lampard. "He's an emotional man. That's the sort of player you want to play with and I think people can relate to that.

"All the fans in the stadium were frustrated at the end and I don't think people should make too much out of that.

"We were trying to get to the final and when that gets taken away you get passionate about it."

The striker faces potentially severe sanctions from UEFA over his conduct, which was aggravated by him screaming into a television camera that the official had been a "f***ing disgrace," forcing some broadcasters to apologise to viewers watching the match live.

In a statement published on Chelsea's website, Drogba said: "I was very upset at what happened during the game, but having seen the pictures on TV I accept that I overreacted.

"I also accept that the language I used did not set a good example for those watching at home, especially children.

"I regret that in the heat of the moment I let out my incredible frustration and disappointment in this way, and for that I apologise."

PA Sport