Frank Lampard urged Chelsea’s fans to drop a chant that contains an offensive reference to the travelling community after his side continued their encouraging form with victory over Reading at the Madejski Stadium.

While the chant celebrates Lampard’s goalscoring exploits during his playing days for Chelsea, it also contains an insulting description of West Ham as “pikeys”. Chelsea’s new manager began his career at West Ham and he had a troubled relationship with his boyhood team after leaving for Stamford Bridge in 2001.

“I didn’t hear the song in question and of course, if there’s a song in the modern day or any day that has offensive words, I don’t want to hear that,” Lampard said. “That’s me saying that as a big Chelsea man who really appreciates the support.

“We don’t want songs with offensive words. If the fans could sing other songs, then I’ll back that. The club are very clear with the work we do off the pitch about anything that’s offensive or prejudiced and we’ve made a big mark on that in modern years.”

There were also concerns for Lampard on the pitch, even though he was delighted to see Ross Barkley score a stunning free-kick and Mason Mount press his claims for regular involvement this season with a ruthless double.

The Guardian