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How Harry Redknapp stole Christmas: QPR festive party cancelled

Manager has misgivings about end of year parties following number of high profile incidents

Simon Rice
Wednesday 05 December 2012 13:55 GMT
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Harry Redknapp
Harry Redknapp (GETTY IMAGES)

QPR have cancelled their Christmas party owing to their dreadful start to the season.

The west London club remain without a win in the Premier League after 15 games and are seven points adrift of safety.

The decision to cancel the traditional end-of-year party is understood to have been made by the players, although it is not the first time the the R's manager Harry Redknapp has presided over a team that put a stop to festivities.

While manager of Tottenham, Redknapp told his players that a party was out of the question, explaining: "My views on Christmas parties are that they're more trouble than they're worth."

Yet a number of players, led by Robbie Keane, went on a jaunt to Dublin against his wishes. Redknapp was furious, telling reporters after details of the 2009 party emerged: "I'm not happy about it. I didn't know anything about the trip at all. It is being dealt with internally. I'll sort out tomorrow's game against Blackburn, and then sort them [the players] out."

Redknapp has good reason for misgivings about Christmas parties. Already this year West Ham striker Andy Carroll was linked with an altercation with a photographer, although his club insist the England striker did nothing wrong.

In 2007, Manchester United's Christmas party ended with defender Jonny Evans being arrested over claims of rape - although no charges were brought. It's understood Alex Ferguson has ruled out any party this year.

The incident in which Joey Barton stubbed out a cigar on a youth player's eye occured at Manchester City's 2004 Christmas Party. The midfielder, currently on loan in Marseille, was dressed as Jimmy Savile at the time.

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