Frank Lampard breaks silence after being chased by players during huge brawl

• Premier League
• Frank Lampard

Coventry drew 1-1 with Southampton at St Mary's on Saturday, with the Championship leader hanging on for a point after playing most of the second half with 10 men

Frank Lampard was at the center of the drama on Saturday(Image: Getty Images)

Frank Lampard has pointed the finger at Southampton fans for the fracas that erupted at St. Mary's on Saturday.

Lampard's Coventry managed to secure a 1-1 draw against Saints despite playing the majority of the second half a man down, with tensions spilling over following the final whistle. Ephron Mason-Clarke gave the Sky Blues the lead with a precisely placed header in the opening period, but Jay Dasilva's dismissal for a reckless challenge on Wellington completely shifted the momentum - and raised the temperature - after 47 minutes.

Nathan Wood nodded home Adam Armstrong's curling delivery to restore parity for Southampton in the Championship game.

However, Tonda Eckert's men failed to capitalize on their man advantage and territorial dominance as Coventry shot-stopper Carl Rushworth produced crucial saves to secure Coventry, the Championship leader, a valuable point.

Ugly incidents unfolded after the final whistle, with Wellington and Saints teammates Leo Scienza and Taylor Harwood-Bellis charging towards Lampard in protest after he made gestures towards the home crowd.

Considerable jostling ensued, with a member of the coaching staff ending up floored during the confrontation.

Lampard was involved in a brawl at the end of the game between Southampton and Coventry(Image: Sky Sports)

In his post-match comments, Lampard indicated that the Southampton faithful had provoked his reaction.

"I've got no problem with Taylor, it's fine. I understand when a player defends in front of their own fans and defends the situation," he told Sky Sports.

"But we've got this modern phenomenon where I think fans can say anything to you for the last 15 minutes on the line, and you're not allowed to walk onto the pitch when you've got emotions high.

"That's how I am, heart on sleeve. I feel a bit calmer now. Apologies for the language, and maybe that stand will apologize for their language; I'm well and truly over that one.

"It got a bit heated, but I think sometimes you take that.

"99 minutes and you're hanging on and seeing the players do what they do, I live it with them. I went on the pitch, that's my prerogative. I can look back and reflect on it.

"Yeah, as I say, fans can say one thing, but we're the ones in the arena fighting for something, and we got a point."

It was a valuable point for Coventry, a team that is now assured of being top of the division at Christmas. The Saints peppered the box with crosses, and Scienza was a constant menace, but they couldn't convert their pressure into goals.