Harry Redknapp labels QPR draw with Wigan 'criminal'

The Hoops conceded a late equaliser

Loic Remy celebrates after scoring for QPR against Wigan (GETTY IMAGES)

QPR boss Harry Redknapp admitted that yesterday's 1-1 draw with Wigan was one of the most deflating results he has experienced.

Rangers, who had Bobby Zamora sent off after only 20 minutes, appeared to have secured a critical victory in their Barclays Premier League survival quest when Loic Remy struck a terrific opener in the 85th minute.

But deep into injury time and with virtually the final kick of the match, Shaun Maloney drove home a 20-yard free-kick to rescue an important point for Wigan.

Asked if he had encountered a tougher result to take as QPR manager, Redknapp replied: "All season? I don't think I've had a tougher result to take in my football career, never mind all season.

"We didn't deserve that, we deserved to win. It was a fantastic performance from everyone one of them. The result was criminal.

"Even with 10 men we deserved to win. The players are low, just like I am. Very low. You don't always get what you deserve in football, that's how it goes."

QPR were the more threatening throughout, except for a spell after Zamora's dismissal as they adjusted to his absence.

Zamora was shown the red card for kicking Jordi Gomez in the head with the boot of his outstretched left leg and will miss crucial fixtures against Everton, Stoke and Reading as a result. Redknapp refused to defend the challenge.

"I thought it was a sending-off. It was a rash challenge. He is sorry, of course he is. Bobby is a good lad. I don't know why he did it, it is not like him," he said.

Wigan boss Roberto Martinez felt the early red card actually worked against his side, who remain in the relegation zone despite the draw.

"We're not in the position to go to places and try and get a draw," he said.

"But the draw at the end is a very good result for us. The sending off affected us more than anything because all of a sudden you feel the responsibility of winning.

"The players took it too seriously and didn't enjoy their football at all, they were pedestrian.

"The sending off was something that should have been an advantage but it ended up being a disadvantage because all of a sudden QPR became well organised and the crowd got behind them."

PA