Sunderland in line for FA punishment after pitch invasion and Frank Lampard incident
Coventry City news from CoventryLive as Sunderland in line for FA fine after pitch incursion in play-off semi-final against the Sky Blues when head coach Frank Lampard was confronted
Sunderland are in line for a fine from the FA after fans made it on to the pitch amid wild scenes of celebration at the end of the Coventry City play-off semi-final.
The situation was aggravated by one individual who confronted Sky Blues head coach Frank Lampard requesting a selfie, which caused an angry reaction. Such behaviour is unlikely to be viewed positively by officials and the club now awaits the charge from the FA.
Quizzed about the incident after the emotional climax to the second leg tie which the Sky Blues lost due to a last minute Dan Ballard header that handed the Black Cats a 3-2 aggregate victory to send them to Wembley to face Sheffield United in the final, Lampard was asked about the incident, which he was clearly unhappy about.
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“We appreciate the significance of Tuesday’s win at the Stadium of Light and understand the circumstances that led to an incredible outpouring of emotion at the final whistle,” the statement said. “Unfortunately, a small minority of individuals crossed a line by entering the field of play, which can endanger players, staff, officials, and supporters, and we strongly condemn these actions.
“The club will be subject to an FA charge, and we are proactively supporting all relevant parties, including Northumbria Police, and any individuals identified may be subject to criminal proceedings and/or club sanctions.
“We look forward to coming together with supporters for the Championship Play-Off Final at Wembley Stadium on Saturday May 24. We urge fans to please respect the players and show their continued support from the stands.”
‘Biggest noise I’ve ever heard’ – Sky Sports pundit blown away by Sunderland celebrations vs Coventry City
Sky Sports pundit Jobi McAnuff has delivered his verdict on Sunderland’s dramatic late goal against Coventry City on Tuesday evening, suggesting that the subsequent celebrations were “one of the best experiences” he has ever felt in a football stadium.
The Black Cats struck in the final minute of added time at the end of extra time, with Dan Ballard rising highest to convert an Enzo Le Fée corner. In the immediate aftermath, the Stadium of Light erupted into scenes of wild celebration, with the festivities carrying on well after the final whistle.
And McAnuff, who was in attendance at the game, was suitably blown away by what he witnessed from the home support on Wearside.
What did Jobi McAnuff say about Sunderland’s celebrations vs Coventry City?
Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, the pundit said: “When you think about, you know, 46,000 people screaming at the top of their lungs, I mean, you can’t quite get your head around it. I think it was just a sudden impact, because the game was drifting. It was a bit of a lull. Everyone felt like it was going to be penalties. And then out of nowhere, it literally was just the biggest explosion of noise that I think I’ve ever heard in a single moment.
“And it’s what the play-offs is about. We talk about it every season. There’s nothing like it, I don’t think, in world football where the tension, the drama could all be rolled up into one minute. And it was just a release because there was so much anxiety in the stadium over the game, because of the performance.
“Again, it was just incredible. One of the best experiences I’ve ever felt in a football stadium. I’ve got no skin in the game. I’m completely neutral, but you couldn’t help but just be carried away by the emotion and the noise of the night.”
