Micah Richards apologises to Frank Lampard live on BBC as Chelsea spat broadcast

Former Manchester City defender Micah Richards has offered a public apology to Frank Lampard for sparking an on-field spat sparked during a game against Chelsea in 2007.

Both were on punditry duty for the BBC ahead of Man City’s FA Cup semi-final with Chelsea, and a clip was shown of the duo exchanging intense verbals following a tackle during the Premier League encounter.

The footage shows Richards conceding a foul after clattering into Lampard during the 6-0 win for Chelsea, delivering an intense reaction following the coming-together. His then-England teammate took exception and engaged in a heated conversation, before each was handed a yellow card for the confrontation.

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It was all smiles and laughs back in the studio when the clip was being played, with the duo making it clear that it was all water under the bridge. Rcihards nevertheless offered his apologies.

He explained: “I just remember I got into that England side, I was in the tunnel and I said hello to Frank, and he blanked me. So, in the game I thought ‘you know what, I’m going to get him back’. A few tough tackles and I think I took it a little bit over the top.”

A smiling Lampard jibed: “And the context of the result of the game, if you want to bring that up?”

In the same spirit, Richards replied: “Well, it was 6-0. I was at fault for probably five of the goals, but I’d like to apologise live on air.” The pair shook hands as Lampard insisted that Richards the defender had nothing to apologise for.