Queens Park Rangers have denied reports that the England defender Steven Caulker was involved in an altercation at the club's Christmas party on Sunday with the owner, Tony Fernandes, insisting the defender simply fell and injured himself.
The Sun newspaper claimed that the former Tottenham player was taken to hospital after a mass brawl broke out between QPR and Crystal Palace players at a pub in south-west London. The report stated that fighting began when a drink was spilled over Rio Ferdinand, with Joey Barton having to step in as a peacemaker.
However, QPR’S head of media and communications, Ian Taylor, denied those claims but did admit the 22-year-old was treated in hospital for a cut head on Monday and Fernandes has reiterated the club’s stance.
“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.”
Earlier, Taylor had also insisted that Caulker was not involved in an altercation.
“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.”
Harry Redknapp, QPR's manager, had said last week that he was not expecting his players to organise a Christmas party as they concentrate on trying to avoid relegation from the Premier League.
“No, I’m not into Christmas parties, not for footballers,” Redknapp said. “I think it’s more aggravation than it’s worth. It’s a changing world out there and there’s always someone out there with a camera on their phone.
“I haven’t spoken to them about it. They haven’t mentioned anything about a Christmas party. I think they understand the pitfalls of going out. You’ve only got to be closing your eyes and someone has got a picture of you making it look like you’re drunk. It’s not worth the hassle.”
QPR’s win over Burnley on Saturday moved them out of the bottom three for the first time since September.
