BHOYS MAN UP TO MAINTAIN TITLE RUN
Hugill Eze Osayi-Campbell
Clucas Chair Campbell
MARK WARBURTON backs financial fair play rules being enforced – despite QPR’s bitter experience.
Like Manchester City, last week given a twoyear UEFA ban from Europe, Rangers fell foul of spending restrictions and were fined £17million and slapped with a transfer embargo by the EFL two years ago.
That settled a longrunning dispute over breaches during the 2013-14 season which brought promotion to the Premier League.
Scarred by that, QPR are now more cautious, reluctantly passing up the chance to sign Nahki Wells last month fearing another infringement.
But their kids are doing all right, with youngsters
Ebere Eze and Bright OsayiSamuel cutting Stoke to pieces in a sensational comeback from two goals down.
Boss Warburton said: “Look, I can’t talk about Manchester City – and in general you never want to see any team punished. A football club is the heartbeat of a community. You punish a club, you punish the supporters and the community. However, clubs need to know everyone is on a level playing field.
“There’s so much at stake. Relegation and promotion have such a huge impact on a club – jobs, wages, everything.
“If clubs cross a line, there has to be a consequence.”
Rangers took advantage of a defensive horror show from Stoke after falling behind to goals from Sam Clucas and
Ref: Oliver Langford Att: 13,125
NEIL LENNON admitted CELTIC were forced to dig deep to secure a ninth successive victory as they triumphed 2-1 at ABERDEEN.
Kristoffer Ajer hit an 81st-minute winner (left) after Dons defender Ash Taylor cancelled out Callum McGregor’s early opener.
Bhoys boss Lennon said: “That was the hardest game
I’ve had by a considerable way. Conditions were awful and we were playing against a very good side. It’s a magnificent three points.
“It shows the character, resilience and that they’re a team.”
RANGERS remain 10 points behind league leaders Celtic
Tyrese Campbell. Former England keeper Jack Butland’s lack of confidence was obvious – but he was not alone, with the City defence looking like they had never met.
Jordan Hugill and Eze levelled, and OsayiSamuel and sub Ilias Chair secured the win.
Potters boss Michael O’Neill said: “As a team we didn’t defend properly. We made bad decisions in the back four.”
QPR:
STOKE:
MOTM
EBERE EZE (QPR) after Scott Arfield’s fourth in three games saw them beat LIVINGSTON 1-0 at Ibrox.
But boss Steven Gerrard criticised ref Euan Anderson and his officials after Alfredo Morelos and Florian Kamberi both had the ball in the net only to be ruled offside.
Gerrard said: “When they look at their performance I think they’ll be disappointed.”