QPR charged after China brawl

(Reuters)
Updated: 2007-02-27 08:39

LONDON - Queens Park Rangers have been charged for failing to control their players and officials after the second division team's brawl with China's under-21 side earlier this month, the FA said on Monday.


Zheng Tao of China's Olympic soccer team faints and grimaces after brawls between the team and Queens Park Rangers February 7, 2007. China's Olympic soccer team is in England for two-week' training and Queens Park Rangers is their second rival during the training. The brawl began at the 75th minute after china's Gao Lin gave China an equalizer to draw the Rangers 1-1. The Rangers was late for the match for 30 minutes, which generated dissatisfaction from China's players. [sina]

The charge alleges the London club "failed to ensure its players and/or officials conducted themselves in an orderly fashion and refraining from violent and/or threatening and/or provocative behaviour."

Rangers assistant manager Richard Hill, who has already been suspended by the club for his part in the fight, was separately charged with violent conduct.

The brawl took place during a friendly at Rangers's training ground on February 7. Chinese player Zheng Tao was knocked unconscious with a broken jaw.

Seven members of the visiting squad were sent home early and Chinese officials have launched an inquiry into the team's disciplinary problems.



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