London, Jan 1 (IANS) Fans of Major League Soccer’s New York City are “outraged” by Frank Lampard’s decision to stay with Manchester City until the end of the English season.
Lampard, 36, signed for New York after being released by Chelsea last June but then joined the Premier League champions on a short-term deal. That deal has now been extended to the summer, meaning Lampard could miss the first three months of the MLS season, reports bbc.com.
“Manchester City can confirm that it has extended Frank Lampard’s contract up to the end of Manchester City’s season, enabling his continued participation in both domestic and European campaigns,” the English club said on its website Wednesday.
New York fans group the Third Rail said it “publicly denounced” the decision.
“Many fans, including our members, decided to support the team, committed to season tickets, and bought merchandise under the impression that Frank Lampard would be playing for New York City Football Club, not Manchester City,” the independent supporters group said in a statement.
“Many of those fans are rightly outraged by this decision, and we support any course of action they take to voice their discontent over this decision.”
MLS franchise New York City are owned jointly by Manchester City and baseball giants the New York Yankees.
The Third Rail added: “We reject out of hand any suggestion that NYCFC is in any way secondary to Manchester City FC, regardless of the source, and are disappointed that City Football Group would give such an appearance.”
Lampard has scored six goals in 17 appearances for City this season. The English Premier League ends 24 May, while the Champions League final takes place June 6. Manchester City face Barcelona in the last 16 next month.