QPR fans say Club has turned into a 'circus'
Hundreds of angry Queens Park Rangers fans staged a protest at Loftus Road this weekend, accusing the Club's owners of turning QPR into a 'circus'.
The fans gathered outside the stadium, some wearing clown wigs and red noses, and called for QPR's co-owner Flavio Briatore to quit the Club, which has been beset by problems since the Italian billionaire became chairman in August 2007.
The protest also came after QPR suffered a 0-1 defeat against Scunthorpe in Saturday's game - the team's fourth defeat in six matches. As the winning goal was scored, Briatore left his seat.
“People might perceive us as a laughing stock, but I know this club is run in a professional manner. Everyone can have their opinions, but I have an inside view on it. Will fans stay away in protest at Briatore? They won't stay away if we start winning,” said caretaker manager Mick Hartford.
In a recent interview with The Mirror, Briatore denied rumours that he was planning to sell his stake in the Club.
“QPR now have the kind of players they couldn't have dreamed of having before. Don't forget, too, that without us, QPR would have gone bankrupt. We have improved the stadium and we are doing the best for the club. We have to take it step by step. Mick will stay in charge until the end of the season,” he said.
Mick Hartford took over the helm at QPR after Paul Hart's departure earlier this month.
Hart was the eight boss at QPR since Briatore's arrival, after John Gregory, Luigi De Canio, Iain Dowie, Gareth Ainsworth, Paulo Sousa, Jim Magilton, Steve Gallen and Marc Bircham.
January 31, 2010