• Premier League

Fernandes calls for peace between Redknapp and Taarabt

ESPN staff
October 21, 2014
Tony Fernandes said Harry Redknapp and Adel Taarabt had been warned about their behaviour © Getty Images
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Queens Park Rangers chairman Tony Fernandes has ordered manager Harry Redknapp and forward Adel Taarabt to put a halt to their public row about the player's fitness.

Redknapp had refused to back down on the claim he made after Sunday's 3-2 Liverpool defeat, when he alleged Taarabt is "about three stone overweight".

Taarabt released pictures holding up his shirt in a bid to dispel Redknapp's jibes, claiming the former Tottenham manager has used him as a scapegoat for QPR's early-season troubles.

The war of words escalated on Tuesday as Redknapp branded Taarabt "the worst professional I have ever come across," saying a bout of tonsillitis was the only way Taarabt had been able to shed weight.

Fernandes reacted by holding talks with both men, later claiming the exchange between Redknapp and Taarabt had caused the club "embarrassment''.

"As a club, we are fully aware of stories in the press over the last few days regarding Harry Redknapp and Adel Taarabt," Fernandes said. "We regret these issues being played out in public and both Harry and Adel have been notified of our disappointment regarding their handling of the situation. I have spoken to them both personally.

"On behalf of the club, I would like to apologise to the QPR supporters for the embarrassment this has caused and confirm that the issue has been dealt with internally.

"The club's entire focus is now on the Aston Villa fixture next Monday and hopefully after a tough few days we can turn a negative into a positive and build on Sunday's improved display.''

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