April 13 – QPR have opened an investigation into the incident in yesterday’s Premier Peague fixture against Chelsea when missiles were thrown on to the pitch following Chelsea’s winning goal in the 88th minute.
The match was a crucial one for both ends of the Premier League with QPR battling their way into form but stuck in the relegation zone, while victory for Chelsea left them seven points clear at top of the table with a game in hand.
When Cesc Fabregas scored with Chelsea’s only shot on target in the 88th minute, a series of objects were hurled towards the players and Branislav Ivanovic was left holding the back of his head after being hit by a cigarette lighter. There were also plastic bottles and rolled up programmes photographed on the side of the pitch.
A spokesman for QPR said: “The club takes the safety of all supporters and players very seriously and are currently reviewing CCTV footage of the aftermath of the goal in an attempt to identify those responsible.
“Whilst we understand that passions run high during derby fixtures, this is not the kind of behaviour the club condones in any way, shape or form.
“We take a zero tolerance approach to this sort of behaviour and, if the perpetrators are identified, they will be banned indefinitely from the stadium and, where appropriate, we will liaise with the Metropolitan Police.”
QPR have appealed to fans for any information regarding the incident, saying “we feel it’s important to identify the perpetrators as soon as possible, as we believe they are not a true representation of the QPR fan-base.”
Contact the writer of this story at moc.l1738519709labto1738519709ofdlr1738519709owedi1738519709sni@n1738519709osloh1738519709cin.l1738519709uap1738519709