Paul Lambert was sent off during Ipswich's defeat to Norwich
Paul Lambert was sent off during Ipswich's defeat to Norwich

Ipswich manager Paul Lambert accuses Norwich City of a "lack of class"


Ipswich manager Paul Lambert has accused Norwich of a "lack of class" and insists he has no regrets at being sent off during the 3-0 defeat at his former club on Sunday.

Lambert was given a red card on the stroke of half-time, when he reacted angrily and had to be restrained by a police officer as a brawl broke out between the two teams, and he had an angry exchange with some of Norwich's backroom staff.

The 49-year-old's relationship with the club he left in 2012 has long been strained and he told Ipswich's official website: "It was a lack of class on their behalf; I've never been involved in anything like that at all.

"Some of the things that were said were totally out of order, and I'll fight the corner of this football club.

"There were things that shouldn't have happened, not through our doing.

"We played a really good game without getting the reward, and that's been the story of our time here. Regarding what I saw and what I've heard, I won't let this club be bullied by anyone."

Relegation-threatened Ipswich host Derby in the Sky Bet Championship on Wednesday.


Both clubs charged

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Norwich and Ipswich have been charged by the Football Association with failing to control their players during Sunday's East Anglian derby.

A brawl led to Lambert, who has also been charged with misconduct, and Norwich's head of performance Chris Domogalla being sent off. A similar melee also took place towards the final whistle.

Lambert had since accused his former club of a "lack of class", and the FA has given until 6pm on Friday for those involved to respond to the charge.

"Norwich City and Ipswich Town have been charged following their EFL Championship fixture on Sunday," the FA said in a statement.

"It is alleged that they failed to ensure their players conducted themselves in an orderly fashion during both the 45th and 90th minutes, as well as their officials in the 45th minute.

"In addition, Paul Lambert has also been charged with misconduct in relation to his behaviour in the 45th minute. Both clubs and Mr Lambert have until 18:00 on 15 February 2019 to respond to the charge."


Podcast

Our latest Sky Bet EFL Championship Podcast is available to listen to on iTunes and Soundcloud
Our latest Sky Bet EFL Championship Podcast is available to listen to on iTunes and Soundcloud

The latest episode of our Sky Bet EFL Championship Podcast is out now and free for you to download and listen to via iTunes and Soundcloud.

This week - Noel Whelan, Gareth Jones, Tom Carnduff and Dom Newton-Collinge reflect on another weekend of late drama, plenty of goals and thrilling games.

They analyse how the race for automatic promotion has been affected by Sheffield United throwing away a three-goal lead against Aston Villa, while Leeds nicked a late point against Middlesbrough.

As Billy Sharp scores his 101st goal for the Blades, we pick our favourite Championship striker - while there is also debate on how to take the perfect penalty. The lads also form the first (we think) Tony Mowbray fan club.

Click on the image above to listen.


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