Away fans could be banned

By Editor
January 20 2003

Visiting supporters could well be banned from certain matches at Loftus Road unless a dispute over the cost of policing is resolved.

The Metropolitan Police plan to make clubs pay for the cost of officers outside stadiums.

This would cause considerable expense to clubs, especially for high-risk games when a greater police presence is required.

And QPR are considering banning away fans from these matches rather than footing the bill themselves.

Meanwhile on the pitch, Ian Holloway is hoping his side can build on the excellent victory at Plymouth.

Rangers announced they are still in the race for automatic promotion by winning at Home Park - almost a year to the day after the victory at Stoke which also suggested the Rs were closing in on the top two.

They fell away badly after that fine result at the Britannia Stadium and Holloway wants his players to show they can now handle the pressure of being regarded as strong promotion contenders.

"It's a different team now," said Holloway.

"At the moment we have some injuries and a lot depends on how quickly we can get those players back.

"I don't know how the players will react this time - but it ain't half exciting."