Derby County boss Frank Lampard has quashed any suggestions of a rift with Nottingham Forest assistant boss Roy Keane, following Monday night’s East Midlands derby.
The Reds sent Lampard packing on Monday night at the City Ground and Sky Sports cameras appeared to catch the Rams boss launching a verbal tirade towards the direction of Keane.
The all-time leading Chelsea goalscorer has moved to clear up any thoughts of a disagreement, however, claiming his utmost respect for the Forest man.
He told Derbyshire Live: “I had nothing to say to Roy Keane in the game, other than a smile. We spoke for 10-15 minutes after the game.
“It’s a shame nobody thought to check the story, because it was completely false.”
Forest sent out a message to their rivals also chasing the play-offs by defeating Derby and Keane was out kicking every ball from the dugout.
His presence since arriving at the City Ground has been evident, with the Reds losing just once since he checked-in.
The Forest midfield has looked organised beyond belief of late and some credit for that must go to Keane who was a master of his trade as a player.
Lampard has work to do to get Derby back on track and he thinks that the verbals picked up on various cameras were probably directed towards the fourth official.
He continued: “If it was something that was in the moment, it would have been to the fourth official, who was pretty uncommunicative. He didn’t really want to communicate with myself or my staff, or their bench.
“It was absolutely nothing to Roy Keane. I have huge respect for him.”
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