QPR youth side walk off pitch due to racism

Queens Park Rangers’ under 18 side were forced to abandon a match following racist abuse from opposition players.

The team were on a tour of Seville when they were reportedly subject to alleged abuse from a number of players of AD Nervion FC last week.

Manager Paul Furlong instructed his players to leave the field in accordance with a protocol which was agreed during a recent equality & diversity session with anti-racist organisation Kick It Out.

In a statement on the club’s website, R’s chairman Lee Hoos expressed support for Furlong and the players for their stance.

Hoos said: “We take a very strong stance against racism and will not tolerate one of our players being subjected to the despicable comments experienced.

“I applaud Paul Furlong and his staff for reacting in such a manner and doing everything within their powers to protect the players.

“I am also very proud of our Under 18s who showed such maturity in the face of unacceptable provocation.

Hoos also called on UEFA to take a tougher stance against racism in football.

“Unfortunately, it seems some countries have a long way to go in this respect and I urge UEFA to take the strongest possible action as incidents of this nature are happening far too often.

“Action must be taken at every level of our game, not just when it happens in front of the watching world.

“At QPR we must not, and will not, stand for it.

Kick it Out also released a statement reiterating their support for players leaving the pitch “after suffering significant discriminatory abuse”

QPR are speaking with the FA regarding the matter.

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