Following reports that Frank Lampard's loan has been extended beyond the start of the MLS season, we are issuing the following statement:
On behalf of the Third Rail, we would like to publicly denounce City Football Group’s and Frank Lampard’s decision to extend his loan to Manchester City until the end of the Premier League season.
Many fans, including our members, decided to support the team, committed to season tickets, and bought merchandise under the impression that Frank Lampard would be playing for New York City Football Club, not Manchester City. Many of those fans are rightly outraged by this decision, and we support any course of action they take to voice their discontent over this decision.
Our support for our ownership group has been unwavering until now, but this we cannot support. We reject out of hand any suggestion that NYCFC is in any way secondary to Manchester City FC, regardless of the source, and are disappointed that City Football Group would give such an appearance.
The Third Rail will forever act as a voice for the fans of New York City Football Club.
Let's be clear - this is not about one player, even a star player; this is about how City Football Group will treat our club going forward. It is also about defending the entire league and American soccer.
But we are still NYCFC fans. This is still our club. We want NYCFC to succeed for the benefit of all soccer fans in New York City. We trust this decision will be an abberation, and with your help, our voices as one, it will be.
Orlando City fan here. I stand with you guys 100%. This is not only a slap in the face to you guys but MLS as a whole.
ReplyDeleteGive 'em Hell 3rd Rail! Let them know your anger every home game until Lampards plays his first game, and then let him know about it too...This is about the credibility of the League!
ReplyDeleteAs a supporter of the MCFC part of the city group I'm genuinely sorry. The supporters of NYCFC should be compensated.
ReplyDeleteI love Chelsea and loathe Liverpool but for me the best option for the club is to forget Lampard ever existed and sign Steven Gerrard. Lamps will just be a constant reminder of the contempt which City Football Group have shown the soccer fans of New York and MLS. Some of the most beloved sports franchises in America have traditions of being owned by greedy villains and run by fools, but is that really how NYCFC want to present themselves before they have ever played a match?
ReplyDeleteAs a Southsider in Vancouver, I'm pulling for you guys. What a crap move all round. I hope that "The Third Rail" doesn't imply more shocks to come. I hope you end up with a decent club you can be proud of. They should just let Kreis run the show and call the shots and everything will be fine. Not so many Lampard's and Villa's. Perhaps instead, a solid squad and early success.
ReplyDeleteAfter buying season tickets in Section 229 I was pretty excited. After this news, I'm feeling a bit duped. Thanks to 3rd rail for speaking out on this matter.
ReplyDelete