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Fans and players clash after Bolton defeat — Monday diary
Fans and players clash after Bolton defeat — Monday diary
Monday, 12th Mar 2012 23:19 by Clive Whittingham

The QPR squad became involved in unsavoury scenes at Euston station on Saturday night as fans travelling back from Bolton abused the players for their recent performances.

News

The QPR squad has regularly travelled to northern away games by trains in recent years, in fact fans and players getting off the train back from a win at Middlesbrough last season and giving a big ‘You R’s’ in unison on the platform was a high point of the season. Whether this policy may be revisited after the events of Saturday is unclear.

The LFW travelling party had taken a typically convoluted route home so weren’t on the scene, the best account probably comes from the This Is My England blog which says…

The QPR team had travelled back to London by the same train that some supporters had joined in Manchester. For some of us, the journey itself passed uneventfully. Carriage D offered a quiet and comfortable ride home to the capital. In other carriages, however, it seems that the drinks were flowing and that some of the drinkers were making a nuisance of themselves. A few of these herberts clearly knew the players were on the train (presumably in a first-class car towards the front) and by the time we reached the end of the line, they had decided to vent their frustration towards the team on arrival. As those of us who'd travelled in carriage D began the trudge along the platform, we were overtaken by a very small group who ran past us in their eagerness to confront the QPR party.

Opinions vary. Perhaps some people think it is helpful and constructive to tell a group of recently defeated players that they are a "waste of money" and angrily to ask them how much they are earning. Perhaps some people genuinely think this will be motivating and is in the best interest of the club and the supporters. It seems unlikely, but let's give the singers of such songs and the doers of such deeds the benefit of the doubt.

What is beyond the pale, though, is squaring up aggressively to our players, as one particular idiot did. Any reports you may hear about Jamie Mackie or other players reacting badly are false. Mackie looked justifiably rattled but it is the pleasant duty of this blog to report that all QPR players witnessing the outburst acted with restraint and commendable professionalism given the provocation. Clint Hill stood out as an especially cool head and Djibril Cisse was seen to remonstrate only very gently with those who saw fit to air their complaints.

As the players boarded their waiting team bus, the majority of decent supporters on the scene applauded and offered a traditional "U RRRRRRRRssssss." Some were keen to impress upon players and club officials - including the charmingly calm and pleasant Phil Beard - that the idiots were very much in the minority. It is to be hoped that this message really gets through to the team - that whatever the level of disappointment and frustration we all feel, only a very small number of utter tools would be stupid enough to seek an angry confrontation with the squad.

Let's keep this in proportion lest outsiders (press, fans of other clubs) try to use it to our detriment. No more than five people behaved very badly, and just ONE individual behaved appallingly tonight at Euston. Almost frothing at the mouth and doing his best to get up in the faces of our players, he turned in a performance that, we can only hope, he will be very ashamed of as he sobers up and reflects upon it. You know who you are, feller. Middle-aged, perhaps in your mid-40s. You wore a dark jacket and have shortish hair. You're a dismal excuse for a supporter and your brand of 'passion' is misplaced and unwanted by the vast majority of people who are able to temper disappointment with common decency.

It had already been a dismal day for Rangers, beaten in a relegation six pointer by a late Bolton goal and the controversial decision not to award Clint Hill’s 20th minute strike which clearly crossed the goal line by a good three feet.

During the half time interval the FA had issued a statement reiterating its stance on goal line technology. A spokesman said: “The FA has been a leading proponent of goal line technology for many years. We will continue to press for its introduction once further independent testing is complete later this year, so that anyone wishing to introduce the technology is able to do so at the earliest possible opportunity.”

Afterwards Mark Hughes said: “The officials really let themselves down today. Martin Atkinson is a good referee, I acknowledge that, but he was hugely let down by his assistants today. How they missed the Hill header which crossed the line is beyond me. Everyone else in the ground knew it was a goal. That's why the assistant is in the position he is in from corner kicks, so how has he missed it? Someone has told me the FA have released a statement saying they're fully behind the bid for goal-line technology, which does nothing for our situation - that's laughable. The timing of that statement staggers me. They're just covering themselves because they know how much criticism they'll get for the displays of officials that they supply.

“All we want is a fair crack of the whip and we didn't get that again today. I feel we should have had two penalties, but the assistant on the near side had lost his nerve by then. We've benefitted from an equaliser that was slightly offside, but that doesn't matter. The key decision, at the key moment, went against us. All we're asking for is a fair wicket, which we're not getting at the moment.

"You shouldn't underestimate the importance of the first goal in the Premier League, especially as an away side. It's vital and had he given the 'goal,' it would have given us a major boost.The significance of scoring first away from home is crucial.

"It's my job now to lift the lads. We're under no illusions that we've got a difficult run-in, but the circumstances today will bring us even closer together. Today wasn't about the football. We did okay without reaching the heights we're capable of, but we didn't get the support of the officials throughout the game."

Bolton goalkeeper Adam Bogdan told London24: “I’ve seen the replay and it was behind the line. But as a linesman it is so hard to make a decision so quickly. So, we got lucky with that situation but we then dug in hard before we got the result. I wasn’t sure it was over or not at first. I hoped there was not going to be a whistle. As the seconds passed and there was still no whistle, I thought ‘great’. If you work you are going to get your luck and we worked really hard in this game.”

QPR goalscorer Djibril Cisse also spoke to London24 about the goal, but admitted QPR didn’t help themselves with some poor defending at the other end. He said: “We reacted really well, but we conceded that goal at the end. It was a mistake, because to be honest with five minutes to go you cannot really concede a goal like that. It’s not only the defenders who defend, it starts with the attack. The whole team should have done better on that goal. "It was clear that was a goal. The referee didn't see it, and it cost us the game. It’s difficult to take. The referees are only humans and they need help. They need whatever help they can get, and video technology is one option. They have to do something, because we saw how it cost us the game."

And Hill himself spoke to West London Sport after being denied what would have been a first Premiership goal of his career. He said: “You do look at everything – every decision, mistake, missed tackle or opportunity – and think ‘if only that had gone our way’. But at the end of the day, you’re there because of the games you’ve played. The league table doesn’t lie. We haven’t been good enough for whatever reason. We’re going to have to do it the hard way now. We’ve got some big teams coming up, and if we do manage to escape it will be one hell of a season.”

Hughes’ opposite number Owen Coyle told the Guardian: "There is nobody who is a bigger advocate of goalline technology than me – the sooner it's brought in the better. I can understand Mark Hughes's frustration but I have to credit my goalkeeper, Adam Bogdan, because it was a wonderful palm out."

Later in the evening vice chairman Amit Bhatia Tweeted: “It’s been a tough weekend for us with many of our rivals picking up points. Even though we have a very tough run-in, I think our team is as determined and as dedicated as any team I've seen in my five years at QPR. I hope the worst is behind us, and the commitment and quality of our squad and our management will shine through. Don't count us out yet, we've still got a lot of fight in us. The will to succeed and overcome is immense and that counts for plenty. Have a good week and try not to be too disappointed. We'll come good.”

Finally Rowan Vine will play for Southend reserves tomorrow night as he attempts to find himself either a short term loan deal for this season, or a permanent contract for next term when his deal at Loftus Road finally expires. Hogan Ephraim, another not in the 25 man squad and out of contract this summer, has signed a one year extension to 2013.

Former R’s

Former QPR boss Paulo Sousa has broken his silence on his time in W12 following the airing of the Four Year Plan last week. The film showed Sousa enduring a tense relationship with owner Flavio Briatore and chairman Gianni Paladini culminating in his sacking after just six months in charge.

Sousa, now manager of Videoton in Hungary, told The Mail: “I think people could see for themselves what was going-on. It was as it appeared to be. And that made it impossible for any manager or coach to be successful. As a manager, I’ve always said that I’m flexible. That I can adapt to the needs of the players, the staff and the club where I am working. But interference from the boardroom in team matters - both in the dressing-room and at the training ground - meant no-one stood a chance. In my time as a player and manager I’ve never known anything like it. Not before nor since.

“The players were confused. I'm sure if you speak to them, they will tell you that. The squad enjoyed playing for me, I had a feeling for them, the culture of the club and for the fans who are at the heart of QPR. I also had a positive relationship with Amit. He was a person with whom you could talk. I explained to him that the influence of Flavio and Paladini was a negative one. Unfortunately it was too late for me. When they stepped back, it was normal again. I remain convinced that I would have achieved things with that club if I had been allowed to operate how I wanted.”

Premiership Shorts

- Arsenal’s return to form continued on Monday as Thomas Vermaelen snatched an injury time winner against Newcastle to move them to within a point of Spurs who lost 1-0 to Everton on Saturday night. Man City’s surprise defeat at Swansea means Man Utd now top the table after a home win against West Brom.

- Aston Villa have secured the signing of Australian international Brett Holman from Dutch side AZ Alkmaar for next season. Holman, 27, has 53 caps for his country and was named player of the year by Australian journalists in 2011. He will join Villa on a free transfer when his contract expires in Holland.

- Stoke manager Tony Pulis has stated that any breaches of discipline will be dealt with in house after winger Jermaine Pennant was forced to deny Twitter rumours he had been fined for breaking club rules. Pulis said: "What happens at this football club in the dressing room stays in the dressing room. I've always managed that way. Men should be men. I'm not going to discuss what goes on and what doesn't go on.. I'm a little bit different. I'm not into Twitter or whatever they call it.”

- Arsenal midfielder Tomas Risicky has been rewarded for his sudden return to form with a two year contract extension.

Tweet @loftforwords

Pictures – Action Images

Photo: Action Images



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JB007007 added 07:33 - Mar 13
Shame that we've hit the headlines for the wrong reasons again. Thankfully it was only a few "fans" that let themselves and the club down.
Everytime I see that picture with the ball over the line I feel sick. Whats also annoyed me is Coyle saying it was a wonderful palm out by the keeper. How was it? He didn't save it! We are going to have to do it the hard way now, but I personally think we are doomed. We always seem to be playing teams at the wrong time too. What I mean by that is that Bolton were due to get something at home at some point, Liverpool will want to bounce back, Arsenal are coming good...
On Sousa's comments, Its clear we couldn't judge any manager under the previous dictatorship.
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francisbowles added 09:45 - Mar 13
To the morons who abuse the team: don't bother coming! The club doesn't need your money. There are genuine supporters who cannot get tickets. To be a supporter means to support i.e. encourage. Difficult times are a test not only for the players but for the supporters as well. As Amit said to Paladini in 4 yr plan, if you can't be positive go somewhere else.
U rrrrr's
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QPunkR added 11:07 - Mar 13
I support the Club itself. It does not necessarily follow that I support some of the dross we've had on the playing staff over the years. There's an important destinction to make.
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HamptonR added 14:45 - Mar 13
QPunkR.

I don't think it is an important distinction.

I/we support Queens Park Rangers, I have not been a fan of some of the players that we have signed over the years but I have roared them on when they walk onto the pitch wearing the blue and white hoops. The moment they leave I go back to hating them.
I vowed never to watch a team that had Warnock as its manager.

No matter what, my team is Queens Park Rangers, to support the club itself, just doesn’t sound right.
It may just be me but .......... ?
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radj added 20:08 - Mar 13
obviously i would like the team to win every single game but we all know thats its not impossible but difficult though.I feel we have been lacking upfront this season and also luck has deserted us somehow but its not the end of the world yet, i still have faith in the team to turns things around get out of the mess that we are in at the moment.But for some of the fans to behave inapproriately with the manager and players is very much out of order, just like us im sure they want the best result for the club.
im also very much dissapointed with ian wrights comments about his predictions of us just getting one point from our remaining games and going down,He should at least have some finesse and tact before saying whatsover.Does he realise what effect this will have on his son, shaun playing for the team.This is what he perhaps call boosting ones confidence,
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RBLOCKPAT added 21:05 - Mar 13
Every club carries a few idiots and occasionally its nice to have a bit of a cull and thats down to the club. Ian Wright who I loved as a player has opened his gob without really thinking things through especially as Saun has probably been our biggest disappointment this season, its not not exactly going to give him the boost needed for the run in and to be honest he has played ten games more than he should have been allowed and Hughes is showing us all that he is nowhere near getting the measure of the team and that has been the most surprising thing to me. We have quite frankly gone backwards since he took over and we havent got the time to for him to find his feet. If I was Gipsy Rose Lee I would see that in my 'crystal ball' Leeds United replacing us in May an irony indeed! While I am tapping this out I am watching my favourite Premiership player of all time Steven Gerrard playing against Everton and just wishing he tweeks his dodgy hamstring, although to be honest I would love to see him down at Loftus Road and I for one would stand up and applaud him if he came over to take a corner by the R block, I just wish that our players would play a DVD of Stevie G's finest moments before they go to bed every night to see what its like to be a player who only has one thing on his mind when he steps on the pitch and that is giving his all for his club, for only thinking about his club, his fans and nothing else, he is the ultimate pro a magnificent specimen of what a footballer should be like and just as I speak he has curled one in, pure class and to me it looks like he is carrying an injury as well, what a hero! Gerry Francis was probably the nearest to Stevie G and Tony Currie was also similar and thats what we lack a leader to drag the team through a battle and come out on top, Barton was supposed to do that and he is as far away from Gerrard as I am Bill Gates. But we have to hope that one or two of our players click at the right time, we still have hope at least. Oh dear Stevie Gee is limping off at half time, I have mixed feelings about that, but supporting the Rs for fifty one years I hope not to see him next Wednesday.
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RBLOCKPAT added 21:10 - Mar 13
Ooh bang, hes done it again!
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RBLOCKPAT added 21:58 - Mar 13
POW!!! Hat trick for Superman!!
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isawqpratwcity added 22:05 - Mar 13
Gypsy Rose Lee was a stripper. Real gypsies tend to get short shrift around here.
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isawqpratwcity added 22:19 - Mar 13
What's with Hogan Ephraim? Are we assembling a Championship squad?
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hoops123 added 22:59 - Mar 13
We don't need to. We've already got one.
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RBLOCKPAT added 23:19 - Mar 13
POW!!! Hat trick for Superman!!
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jo_qpr63 added 22:57 - Mar 14
RBLOCKPAT get a grip.Clint hill loves and supports Liverpool... Fact! I love Clint Hill for playing for QPR and helping us win the Championship...fact. I love QPR for the fact i've love'd them since i was 6 . I dont even know why i love them ..fact!!
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jo_qpr63 added 23:11 - Mar 14
sorry for the shite Benitez references. Liverpool AINT ALL THAT, DESPITE WHAT THEY TELL YOU. C'mon u R's
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