Frank Lampard’s return to St Mary’s should have been a footnote; a hard-fought Championship game, a point apiece, move on. Instead, it descended into something far more theatrical, thanks largely to Lampard himself embracing the role of pantomime villain with open arms.
It didn’t take long for the home crowd to find its voice. The chant was predictable, hardly Jay Z or Eminem, yet caustic in its simplicity: “You’re just a s*** Steven Gerrard.” It’s the sort of line that has echoed around grounds for years, usually shrugged off with a wry smile or ignored entirely. Lampard, however, couldn’t help himself.
Rather than walking down the tunnel, content with a point earned under pressure, Lampard turned back to the stands. Thumbs up. Sarcastic applause. A knowing grin.
Lampard became everyone's least favourite panto pirate
It was football theatre at its finest - or worst, depending on your point of view. In that moment, Lampard wasn’t Coventry’s manager grinding out a result. He was Captain Hook twirling his moustache while the crowd booed louder. Léo Scienza played his part as the likeable Peter Pan trying to calm everybody down.
That’s the irony. Saints fans didn’t need to work hard to wind him up. A single chant was enough to turn Lampard into the main attraction. He fed off it, amplified it, and in doing so ensured the story became about him rather than the football.
The reaction felt telling. Lampard has spent his career being compared to Gerrard, sometimes fairly, often lazily, but the greats learn to live with that noise.
Steven Gerrard himself has walked into far more hostile environments without biting. Lampard, by contrast, let it get under his skin, and once that happened, the crowd had already won. The Northam Stand won't be apologising any time soon, Frank.
Lampard admits wrong-doing in post match interview
There was something oddly entertaining about it all. Saints fans revelled in the chaos, players got involved, and suddenly a routine Championship fixture had edge, spice, and headlines. Lampard’s post-match admission that he was “out of order” only reinforced the sense that he’d lost the battle of composure.
But pantomime villains are memorable for a reason. They play their part, knowingly or otherwise, and Lampard certainly did that at St Mary’s. The boos grew louder because he encouraged them. The confrontation escalated because he couldn’t resist the final word.
From a Saints perspective, it was a reminder of football’s enduring magic. One chant, one reaction, and suddenly the atmosphere crackled. Lampard might have walked away quietly. Instead, he chose to engage, and in doing so, ensured he’ll get the same reception next time he comes back.
Oh yes he will.