FRANK Lampard expressed his sympathy to the Sheffield Wednesday supporters after an on-pitch protest took place during Coventry City’s 5-0 win at Hillsborough.
The Sky Blues piled more misery on Wednesday who find themselves in the Championship relegation zone amidst off-the-pitch problems.
The game took place just days after Wednesday failed to pay players and staff their wages on time for the fifth time in seven months.
And a number of home supporters entered the field of play on the 10-minute mark after Brandon Thomas-Asante’s early goal put Coventry ahead.
The referee paused the game as Wednesday fans protested against the club’s owner Dejphon Chansiri.
The protest lasted around five minutes before stewards removed the supporters from the pitch and play resumed.
Coventry went on to win the game five-nil and move top of the Championship table in the process.
However, Lampard expressed his sympathy towards Wednesday and praised the manner in which the club’s players and staff are dealing with the situation.
Lampard said: “I’m never encouraging people to go on the pitch but I understand the frustrations of fans and players and staff.
“We know the basics of what is going here [at Sheffield Wednesday]. I’ve got no problem with it.
“It was peaceful. The game carried on. I have big sympathy for what’s going on at the club and the players and staff are dealing with it very well.
“It’s a tough time for them obviously.
“It was good for us football wise because I didn’t love us in the 10 minutes after we scored.
“We were slightly off it and it can happen after you get an early goal, we had a bit of that about us.
“It allowed us to address a few things with the players and give them a little oomph.”
Coventry captain, Matt Grimes added: “What’s happening here [at Sheffield Wednesday] is incredibly sad.
“I don’t wish that on anyone. I thought it was really well-handled.
“I’m glad it didn’t disrupt too much of the game but our thoughts go out to everyone involved at Wednesday.”
