Tuesday 9 December 2014 11:04, UK
Queens Park Rangers chairman Tony Fernandes has sprung to the defence of his players after reports suggested some members of the first team were involved in a row during a Christmas lunch.
R's centre-half Steven Caulker required hospital treatment after the event at a south London pub but Fernandes insists he is 'fine' after falling over and banging his head with no other party involved.
The team is very united and really playing for each other. Steven Caulker slipped over and hurt his head and is fine. Nothing else to report
The Malaysian businessman confirmed the squad were granted the Sunday afternoon gathering following a vital 2-0 home victory over Burnley which lifted them out of the Premier League drop zone.
"I'm aware of some headlines appearing in tomorrow's newspaper. After a great win the boys were given permission for a Sunday lunch," Fernandes wrote on social media late on Monday evening.
"The team is very united and really playing for each other. Steven Caulker slipped over and hurt his head and is fine. Nothing else to report.
"Great team spirit. We are one. Best I've seen since being chairman. A few sensational headlines but team has done us proud."
Last month manager Harry Redknapp said there would be no Christmas party for his squad but club spokesman Ian Taylor confirmed the gathering on Sunday had been sanctioned.
Taylor wrote on social media: "Following Saturday's Premier League win versus Burnley and with no further fixture for nine days the club can confirm players were allowed to have a Sunday lunch together.
"Steven Caulker was not involved in an altercation. He did suffer a cut to his head, which he received treatment for at hospital before being discharged on the same evening. The club will be making no further comment."
Watch QPR in action away to Everton on next week's Monday Night Football. Live coverage begins on Sky Sports 1 HD at 7pm.
