NYCFC fans protest Lampard signing over 911 incident

Frank Lampard is facing a battle to win over New York City FC fans after a newspaper ran a report on his bad behaviour - from 13 years ago.

The England midfielder is reportedly set to continue his career with the new Major League Soccer franchise after he was released by Chelsea last month.

However, the New York Daily News ran a story recounting Lampard's indiscretion which took place a day after the 911 attacks in 2001.

Lampard, then 23, and three other teammates - John Terry, Jody Morris and Eidur Gudjohnsen - were fined by the Blues in 2001 following a drinking binge where they mocked stranded American tourists at a hotel near Heathrow airport.

The 36-year-old is already facing an online backlash from the club's fan forum.

One fan known as Midas Mulligan wrote: "If this dirt bag is actually signed, it really pisses me off.

"He better be down there sweeping the grounds at 1WTC EVERY DAMN DAY, after he publicly apologises to every American for being a s**tbag of highest order."

Source: New York Daily News, Mirror Online, New York City Football Club Fan Forum