How Harry Redknapp stole Christmas: QPR festive party cancelled

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

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.