(Credit: Sky Sports / Getty Images)

Keith Hackett

Sat 5 April 2025 16:51, UK

Frank Lampard will serve a ban that could have been “easily avoided” after being sent off at full-time in Coventry’s 2-1 loss to Burnley, says Keith Hackett.

The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA exclusively told Football Insider that the procedure of referees standing in the centre circle at full-time should be “binned”.

Haji Wright scored a controversial opener for Coventry in the fifth minute, with the USA international prodding home from an obviously-offside position.

With dreams of qualifying for the Championship playoffs, the Sky Blues were brought crashing back down to Earth when Jaidon Anthony levelled in the 16th minute after a fine piece of work from Celtic target Josh Brownhill.

The on-loan winger from Bournemouth then doubled his tally in the 46th minute, after a calamitous error from goalkeeper Bradley Collins, as the Clarets hung-on to claim all three points, jeopardising Coventry’s promotion hopes.

Frank Lampard sees red at full-time as Coventry lose to Burnley

Having watched his side lump crosses into the Burnley box for the best part of 20 minutes, before the final whistle, Lampard was clearly frustrated.

The former England international made a beeline for referee James Bell, who was standing in the centre of the pitch, as refereeing teams traditionally do these days.

Clearly incensed, although about what remains unclear, Lampard said something to the referee that caused the former Chelsea midfielder to be shown a straight red card.

The 46-year-old then turned away, applauding the fans who had made the effort to turn out in support of Coventry.

Keith Hackett gives verdict on Frank Lampard post-match red card

Following the incident, the ex-PGMOL chief, Hackett, gave his verdict on Lampard’s red and the ban that will follow, after the clash between referee and manager, telling Football Insider exclusively:

“When the final whistle is blown at the end of the game, the procedure that was in operation in my day was to be alert and observe the players and head for the tunnel.

“The fourth official at the final whistle used to go to the head of the tunnel monitoring players’ behaviour on their way to the dressing room.

“Referees standing in the centre circle frankly is a procedure that should be binned.

“It is currently promoting managers entering the field of play to express their frustration about the match officials’ performance.

“Lampard will, of course, serve a ban which would be avoided with the procedure of the manager having a 30-minute cooling off period then knocking on the ref’s door to seek clarification.”