This archive report was first published on 25 December 2019.
December 25, 2019
Chelsea manager Frank Lampard has defended the integrity of Antonio Rudiger, who was at the center of a controversy following a London derby match against Tottenham.
The match, which Chelsea won 2-0, was marred by allegations of racist abuse directed at both Rudiger and Tottenham's Son Heung-min.
Lampard, who has spoken out against racism, questioned the way Rudiger reacted to being kicked by Son, but insisted that the German defender had done nothing wrong.
"With Toni, in this incident when he's having to post after the game about something we know is a huge deal (racism), I think to question his integrity in that time is disappointing for sure," Lampard said.
"I wouldn't question Toni's integrity on that. So I do defend Toni firmly on it," he added.
