Footballers Should Respect Referees – Lampard

The respect Rugby World Cup players have for referees is one thing footballers have to learn from, according to Chelsea manager, Frank Lampard.

While he prepares for an EPL clash against Watford on Saturday, Frank said he would watch the Japan-based tournament’s final between his native England and South Africa earlier on the same day.

The Chelsea boss loved the way England’s captain Owen Farrell, and their New Zealand All Black opponents treated the match officials during the semi-final and feels footballers and coaches have to emulate that habit.

His words, “I think maybe yes [footballers could learn from rugby players],”

“I think we should maybe have a sit-down with them because I was also thinking how well restrained – not restrained, there is no reason you should be restrained – but how well Owen Farrell and every player, the New Zealand players as well, reacted to the referee in the semi-final.

“And I think it is certainly something we could take on board – to take a deep breath sometimes more than we do. I think the respect in rugby seems to go both ways – I think we could probably all learn.”

On Chelsea’s next game, “[Rudiger’s] not fit. I saw the quotes, whether there was a miscommunication I don’t know,” Lampard said.

“He’s going to see a consultant on Monday because he’s got an ongoing issue in the pelvic area. We’ll have to wait for the appointment to see how long he’ll be out. I was surprised by the quotes because he’s not fit.

“Every player in the squad that’s not available is disappointing but it comes with the territory. [Rudiger] and N’Golo have had a domino effect in injuries from last season.

“N’Golo’s close, he’s working with the team now.

“Ross Barkley is still not quite right and he’s another possible answer, but he’s not far away. Andreas Christensen is pretty much fit as well. It’s the finishing touches now.”