QPR threaten to ban City fans

Last updated : 01 May 2003 By Michael Morris
QPR are in trouble for crowd problems at last Saturdays game against Crewe. Coin throwing and a fan attempting get at the referee added to an already volatile match that saw two Rangers players sent off. They also had a crowd problem at Brentford a couple of weeks ago.

Speaking on QPR's official website Chief Exec David Davies said

"After strenuous efforts and requests for supporters not to go on the pitch it was upsetting that so many disregarded our pleas. The actions of a minority could land us in really hot water. We received a copy of the referee's report and It makes grim reading.

"In it he makes clear reference to a nasty coin throwing incident, a supporter entering the field of play to remonstrate with him and the pitch invasion after the final whistle. Bearing in mind that the FA have taken a dim view of previous incidents and have already written to us to ask for our comments after the pitch invasion at the Brentford game, Saturday's events could have very serious implications.

"It is not far-fetched to suggest that should this kind of behaviour recur, the FA are quite within their rights to impose the ultimate sanctions of forcing us to play a game at Loftus Road behind locked doors or even docking league points."

Now Davies has come out and said that the club will consider banning away fans from both legs of a play off semi against Cardiff if the two teams are paired together. He told the Echo

"We may need to start thinking the unthinkable and prevent visiting fans coming for play off semi games if we draw Cardiff City. We have put in place all security arrangements necessary for all concerned. I have to say all options are open but it is something we are thinking about."

Davies' counterpart at Ninian Park, David Temme, is not happy at all at a potential ban on away fans

"It's an outrageous, disgraceful thing to suggest and we violently disagree with any suggestions along those lines", he told the Echo. "It is ridiculous to start scaremongering in this way"

"Cardiff City fans have behaved in an exemplary mannner this season - and QPR supporters will be welcomed to Ninian Park. If David Davies believes his fans are not capable of being controlled he should deal with that and not impose restrictions on Cardiff City supporters".

Cardiff will find out on Saturday after the last games whether we will play QPR, Oldham or Bristol over two legs. I wonder if Mr Davies would stop his fans from travelling if they were to play Cardiff in the final?