Wednesday 22 October 2014 04:36, UK
QPR have issued an apology for the ongoing war of words between manager Harry Redknapp and midfielder Adel Taarabt.
The Morocco international hit back at Redknapp's claims he was 'three stone overweight' by criticising the training regime and releasing a picture of his stomach - but Rs manager Redknapp responded on Tuesday by dubbing Taarabt 'the worst professional I've ever come across.'
The 67-year-old told The Sun: "The only reason he has lost weight is because he has had tonsillitis, that's the only way we could get any weight off of him. He is not fit to play a game, that's the truth.
"He is the worst professional I have ever come across and I have been his only ally at QPR for the past three years. He doesn't try and I have protected him for too long. Even I could suck my stomach in for a picture and look OK."
QPR chairman Tony Fernandes swiftly released the following statement on the club website in an attempt to defuse the situation: "As a club, we are fully aware of stories in the press over the last few days regarding Harry Redknapp and Adel Taarabt.
"We regret these issues being played out in public and both Harry Redknapp and Adel Taarabt have been notified of our disappointment regarding their handling of the situation. I have spoken to them both personally.
We regret these issues being played out in public and both Harry Redknapp and Adel Taarabt 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."
Taarabt arrived at Loftus Road in 2010 but has been shipped out to Fulham and AC Milan in the past year.
