Rangers boss Steven Gerrard says Chelsea should have supported Frank Lampard rather than sacking his former England teammate.

But taking aim at the London club, the Liverpool great declared “it was no surprise".

Asked about Lampard's dismissal on Tuesday, Gerrard admitted he was “gutted" and says he should have been given more time.

“[I'm] Gutted for Frank, he's an ex-friend of mine, someone I respect greatly," said Gerrard.

“Knowing the guy, he'll be back before no time. He'll dust himself down and he'll get ready to get back involved.

“I think he'll use this time to spend with his family, he's obviously got a young family and one on the way.

“I'm disappointed for him. I thought it was a very swift exit on the back of a positive result at the weekend.

"But I don't know the details, I don't know how it's been with him, the relationships that he's had inside the club.

“But I did think it was an opportunity for Chelsea to reach out and support him during this tough period of results, rather do what they've done.

“But Chelsea have got a history for that, so it was no surprise."