Image credit: Action Images / John Sibley Livepic
Footballers' off-field antics can sometimes get them in trouble, and that was the case for an England international who apologised for their actions following 9/11.
On September 11th, 2001, four coordinated terrorist attacks took the lives of 2,997 people and were carried out against the United States. Two planes flew into the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in New York City and a third hit the Pentagon just outside Washington D.C.
Brave passengers fought back against hijackers and forced a fourth plane to crash in a field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. On the 25th anniversary, it remains the deadliest act of terrorism in history.
Frank Lampard Apologised After 9/11 Incident
REUTERS/Hannah Mckay
In the immediate aftermath of the 9/11 attacks, Frank Lampard was one of four Chelsea players who participated in binge-drinking in a UK hotel visited by tons of US tourists. This took place 24 hours after two planes flew into the World Trade Center, and the incident involved stripping, swearing, and vomiting.
As a result, US fans voiced their anger on a club's online fan forum when Lampard signed for the then-newly formed MLS franchise, New York City. A New York newspaper reported on his behavior on the night of the disaster and deemed it insensitive.
One fan called for the MLS club to pull the plug on signing the former England international while another proposed that he donate to a 9/11 charity. His unveiling went off without a hitch, earning cheers from the crowd and the media in Brooklyn.
Lampard responded to the online discourse by insisting he didn't intend to insult Americans (via The Telegraph): "I categorically did not set out to insult anyone or behave badly in front of the Americans. I’m very sensitive to the issue and the tragedy. I have some regrets. I was naive and a young boy at the time."
The former Premier League midfielder confirmed a planned visit to the 9/11 memorial in New York to pay his respects: "It’s very important to pay respect. It’s a huge memorial and I will certainly go there to pay my respects."
Lampard spent two seasons at New York City FC, debuting in the 2015 inaugural MLS season, and went on to make 31 appearances, scoring 15 goals. He linked up with former Barcelona striker David Villa and AC Milan hero Andrea Pirlo, becoming one of the biggest names to head to the United States.
'Loved My Time' - Lampard on Life in New York
Frank Lampard NYCFC in 2016
Frank Lampard played for New York City FC after a spell with Manchester City in England.
Lampard called time on his career at the age of 38 while at New York City in February 2017. He has since entered the football management world, currently taking charge of Coventry City whom he guided to promotion to the Premier League last season.
The three-time Premier League champion reflected on his time in the United States during an interview with his former club, Manchester City, which is part of the same City Football Group investment portfolio. He told their official website:
"I loved my time in New York and I loved the people behind the scenes there, again, mirroring City. They were very accommodating, very helpful so we had a great time in New York. That first season was a bit tough because of my injury. But I came back fit and scored a fair amount of goals for games played. I enjoyed travelling all around the States playing. "
Jose Mourinho
Jose Mourinho
Lampard enjoyed a trophy-laden career, during which he became the highest-scoring midfielder in Premier League history. He is regarded as one of the most professional and hardworking players in English football history.