Everton boss Frank Lampard makes no apologies for railing against the decisions his team has copped from match officials over the months.

Lampard says he doesn't want his team to become known as a "soft touch".

“People who know me well understand my competitive nature," says Lampard in tonight's match programme.

“I wouldn't hold back if I thought there was something affecting the Club that I felt wasn't quite right.

“I try to be as straight as I can but to not offend people.

“But I have felt, in my short time here, we've had decisions not go our way that have been really clear and they have affected us – and I do not want us to be seen as a team that is in any way a soft touch.

“I want Everton to be a club that stands up for itself.

“If anyone has to do that, it is me.

"I think it is very important that when the opportunity comes to show we are a strong club, who will defend ourselves, absolutely I should be the first to do that and everyone should follow."