Caulker cut accidental - Fernandes

09 December 2014 10:01

QPR owner Tony Fernandes has praised the unity among the squad at Loftus Road amid newspaper allegations of an altercation involving a number of players on Sunday - with defender Steven Caulker requiring hospital treatment for a head cut.

A report suggested there was a fracas at a social event involving both QPR and Crystal Palace players but it is understood England international Caulker fell and banged his head and that no-one else was involved in the incident with no offences alleged.

Fernandes confirmed the squad were granted the Sunday afternoon gathering following a vital 2-0 home victory over Burnley as Harry Redknapp guided the R's out of the Barclays Premier League bottom three.

The Malaysian businessman also hailed the players and moved to quash reports that suggested a brawl had broken out at the event.

"I'm aware of some headlines appearing in tomorrow newspaper (sic). After a great win boys were given permission for a Sunday lunch," he Tweeted late on Monday evening.

"Team is very united and really playing for each other. Steven Caulker slipped over and hurt his head and is fine. Nothing else to report.

"Great team spirit. We are one. Best I've seen since being chairman. A few sensational headlines but team has done us proud."

Last month Redknapp had said there would be no Christmas party for his squad but QPR spokesman Ian Taylor confirmed the gathering on Sunday had been sanctioned.

"Following Saturday's Premier League win versus Burnley & with no further fixture for nine days the club can confirm players were allowed to have a Sunday lunch together," he wrote on Twitter.

"Steven Caulker was not involved in an altercation. He did suffer a cut to his head, which he received treatment for at hospital before being discharged on the same evening.

"The club will be making no further comment."

Source: PA