‘I feel sorry’: Frank Lampard’s sympathetic response to Patrick Vieira’s kicking incident

Everton manager Frank Lampard has reacted to the video of Crystal Palace manager Patrick Vieira appearing to kick a pitch invader after the 3-2 win at Goodison.

The Toffees confirmed their Premier League survival with the come-from-behind win at home, and the dramatic nature of the victory brought about two pitch invasions.

The first when the third goal went in and also at the final whistle, which brought about absolute bedlam.

Goals from Michael Keane, Richarlison and Dominic Calvert-Lewin, after Jean-Philippe Mateta and Jordan Ayew had shot Palace in front, sent the home fan raptures and absolute celebratory moods even though some went over the line.

Footage emerged of a fan who was screaming in the face of the Palace boss and even going as far and showing him his middle finger.

Patrick Vieira then appeared to lash out, first attempting to grab the fan before throwing his leg.

He is then seen surrounded by more fans, with some helping him out to safety.

Given the nature of the game and what survival meant to Everton, manager Frank Lampard said he felt sorry for his colleague, even though he could understand why his fans invaded the pitch.

The Everton boss said: “There were none (issues with players).

“I feel for Patrick because I didn’t get him at the end because of how it all erupted for us.

“I would have said: ‘Come in with us’ (into the Everton dressing-room area rather than the Crystal Palace area on the other side of the pitch).

“They might not have wanted that but I’d have said: ‘Come in with us’.

“I know how managers feel and I get that.

“And, of course, he’s running across the pitch of 80 yards of our fans coming on. It’s not easy.

“There’s nothing from me. Not any issues. It was pure elation of fans who want to stay in the Premier League that came on the pitch.

LondonWorld understands the Premier League is studying the whole incident and will open an investigation into the case.