New York City FC fans are furious over the news that Frank Lampard is extending his loan with Manchester City to the end of the season.

The decision will mean the Chelsea icon missing the expansion franchise's opening games of the new MLS season.

NYCFC supporters' group, 'The Third Rail', released the following statement this morning:

"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."