Lampard hopes Swansea fans will end Grimes abuse

Frank Lampard hopes Matt Grimes’ “very classy” decision not to celebrate his goal against Swansea City will end the boos when the midfielder faces his old club.

Grimes was given an icy reception on his first return to the Swansea.com Stadium since ending a 10-year spell as a Swan when he joined Coventry City in January 2025.

Yet when he responded by scoring Coventry’s second goal in the Championship leaders’ 3-0 win on Saturday, the 30-year-old raised his hands in apology.

“This is an emotional game so I’m sure he’s got some feeling inside, but his outside demeanour handled it brilliantly and I would hope that puts that [booing] to bed.

“If he comes back to play Swansea again, I would hope that people will respect what he did [on Saturday] and just move on.”

Grimes made 333 appearances for Swansea and captained the club for more than five years.

But his move to Coventry – who were just four points better off than an out-of-form Swansea team when the transfer was agreed – upset sections of the Welsh side’s support.

The abuse died down, however, after Grimes’ goal.

He told Sky Sports that the decision not to celebrate was because he “has a lot of love for the club and a lot of the staff are still here”.

Former England star Lampard, who played for Swansea as a youngster, says he cannot understand the abuse Grimes has received.

“He’s spent 10 years here giving his everything for the club,” Lampard added.

“I’ve got a lot of affection for Swansea because I came here on loan many years ago and I liked it.

“I’m not criticising the club here, I’m just thinking why would a person turn up to come and boo Matt Grimes after the service he gave the club, and then he moves on as we all do in life at different times?