Derby County manager Frank Lampard has given his take on the controversial events that took place in the Championship clash between promotion rivals Leeds United and Aston Villa.

The drama unfolded after Leeds took a second-half lead through Mateusz Klich in Sunday's showdown at Elland Road.

With Villa striker Jonathan Kodjia down injured, the visiting players urged Leeds to put the ball out of play, so their team-mate could receive medical treatment.

It looked like the hosts would obliged as the game slowed down but Tyler Roberts then picked out Klich, who went on to score.

Derby County press conference

This sparked an angry clash between the two sets of players, which led to Anwar El Ghazi being sent off.

Once order had been restored, Leeds head coach Marcelo Bielsa ordered his team to allow Villa to score an uncontested equaliser.

His captain Pontus Jansson apparently disagreed with his boss and tried to prevent Albert Adomah from levelling, albeit in vain.

Asked for his thoughts on the initial incident, Lampard said: "I don't like people stopping (playing), you have to continue.

"What happened was that Leeds slowed down as well, with the ball, in a motion to almost look like they were going to kick it out.

"That is why Villa were quite rightly upset, because you have that sporting moment that you kind of know they are going to kick it out, everyone stops.

"I think you should carry on until the referee says. So I understand how Villa felt when Leeds went on and scored.

"We still have this thing, footballers have it in their head when someone is injured both teams sort of stop, we still have a bit of an in between moment with this one.

"The rule is quite clear. You should carry on until the ball has gone out."

Bielsa was widely praised for his sportsmanship, having previously been accused of the opposite during the "Spygate" saga involving Derby earlier this season.

So, what did Lampard make of the Argentine's actions on this occasion?

"I thought it was the right thing to do, completely right."

Leeds United head coach Marcelo Bielsa
Leeds United head coach Marcelo Bielsa

"The game did not have anything on it. Thankfully, it was not a game that was absolutely defining for either team. It makes the decision easier to allow them to score the goal."

Leeds and Villa are both guaranteed to be in the play-offs after Norwich City and Sheffield United clinched automatic promotion.

Derby will be hoping to join them in the top six.