QPR rubbish claims that Steven Caulker was involved in a Christmas lunch altercation - but confirm he did suffer a head injury

Caulker required hospital treatment on a head wound that he suffered at a 'Sunday lunch' held for both QPR and Crystal Palace players

Queen’s Park Rangers have denied an altercation took place at a “Sunday lunch” following the 2-0 victory over Burnley that left Steven Caulker requiring hospital treatment due to suffering a cut to his head.

Reports in The Sun on Tuesday claim that there was a fracas at the Ship Inn in London after a woman spilt a drink over former England captain Rio Ferdinand. The article goes on to suggest that a brawl ensued that left Caulker with a severe cut to the head, and a witness account claiming “there was caret everywhere”.

The QPR players were joined by some of their Crystal Palace adversaries who were joining them for the festive get together, with many dressed in Christmas jumpers to celebrate the occasion.

But the Premier League club has issued a statement to deny any altercation took place, and confirmed that Caulker was treated for a head injury before being discharged from hospital later that evening.

QPR spokesperson Ian Taylor said on Twitter: "Following Saturday's Premier League win versus Burnley & with no further fixture for nine days the club can confirm players were allowed to have a Sunday lunch together.

"Steven Caulker was not involved in an altercation. He did suffer a cut to his head, which he received treatment for at hospital before being discharged on the same evening.

"The club will be making no further comment."

Rio Ferdinand, Eduardo Vargas and Charlie Austin at the Sunday lunch (Getty Images)

The controversy will not please manager Harry Redknapp, who is famously against any Christmas parties among players after Spurs’ secret night out in Dublin in December 2009. Redknapp’s former club went on to lose 1-0 to Wolves upon their return, and Redknapp spoke just last week that he would not be allowing a Christmas party for the Rangers squad this year.

“No, I'm not into Christmas parties, not for footballers,” Redknapp said.

“I think it's more aggravation than it's worth. It's a changing world out there and there's always someone out there with a camera on their phone.

“I haven't spoken to them about it, they haven't mentioned anything about a Christmas party,” he added.

“I think they understand the pitfalls of going out. You've only got to be closing your eyes and someone has got a picture of you making it look like you're drunk. It's not worth the hassle.”