Neil Warnock slams refereeing decision and delivers verdict on Middlesbrough's ‘soft’ defeat against QPR

Neil Warnock admitted his side were too soft as they were beaten 3-2 by QPR at the Riverside – despite the visitors being reduced to ten men.
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Boro took the lead through Uche Ikpeazu’s penalty in the first half but were pegged back when Jonny Howson scored an own goal shortly after half-time.

QPR defender Moses Odubajo was then sent off before Chris Willock gave Rangers a shock lead.

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There was still time for more late drama as Matt Crooks equalised for Boro, before Willock added his second of the match to win the contest for Mark Warburton’s side.

Middlesbrough midfielder Matt Crooks.Middlesbrough midfielder Matt Crooks.
Middlesbrough midfielder Matt Crooks.

“I can’t fault the excitement,” said Warnock after the game. “I thought it was a cracking game. Disappointed with the goals, disappointed we didn’t score more so disappointed with everything really.

“I think the goal knocked us a bit and we got caught on the break from our attack. I thought we were a bit soft tonight and one or two of our lads could have put a foot in earlier but we didn’t and we were passive.”

Warnock was also critical of several refereeing decisions, claiming QPR substitute Charlie Austin headbutted Grant Hall.

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“I see Charlie Austin headbut Grant Hall and nobody else sees it. It’s just amazing really,” Warnock added.

“I thought he headbutted him, when you look at the video it looks like a straightforward headbut to me.

"The referee said he saw it and thought it was a clash of heads. I think when you look at it it’s a little bit different.”

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