West Ham boss Gianfranco Zola has called on fans to end their abuse of Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard. Zola returns to Chelsea on Sunday for the first time since being appointed Hammers boss in September and could experience the wrath of spurned fans himself given the rivalry between the clubs.

The 42-year-old former Blues great hopes he will receive a warm reception at Stamford Bridge - and believes Lampard deserves the same.

England midfielder Lampard left Upton Park seven years ago and has come under heavy fire from Hammers supporters ever since.

"It would be a good time to end this abuse," said Zola.

"Frank has gone his own way and people should be pleased with what he's doing, not only for Chelsea but also for his country.

"He has decided to go somewhere else and people need to accept it. We talk sometimes and he always says how great West Ham is.

"When he knew I was going to come here he said I was coming to a great club with a great atmosphere and a wonderful place to start my career.

"That's the opinion he has of the club and people need to realise that he has moved to a bigger team."