QPR Owner: Harry Redknapp, Adel Taarabt Must End War Of Words

Queens Park Rangers owner Tony Fernandes is trying to end a public spat between his team’s manager and one of its star players just as it’s getting good.

Fernandes apologized to QPR fans Tuesday for the war of words between manager Harry Redknapp and midfielder Adel Taarabt. Fernandes issued a statement on QPR’s website, which orders Redknapp and Taarabt to quit bickering.

Redknapp accused Taarabt of being over 40 pounds overweight and refusing to practice properly during an astonishing press-conference rant Sunday. Taarabt responded Monday, giving a lengthy interview in which he questioned Redknapp’s managerial ability. Redknapp answered back on Tuesday when he called Taraabt, “the worst professional I have ever come across.”

Fernandes then intervened in one of the more entertaining sagas (to neutrals) the soccer world has seen in recent months.

“As a club, we are fully aware of stories in the press over the last few days regarding Harry Redknapp and Adel Taarabt,” Fernandes’ statement read. “We regret these issues being played out in public, and both Harry Redknapp and Adel Taarabt have been notified of our disappointment regarding their handling of the situation. I have spoken to them both personally.

“On behalf of the club, I would like to apologise to the QPR supporters for the embarrassment this has caused and confirm that the issue has been dealt with internally. The club’s entire focus is now on the Aston Villa fixture next Monday, and hopefully after a tough few days we can turn a negative into a positive and build on Sunday’s improved display.”

It’s hard to see how the Redknapp-Taarabt feud can truly end while both remain at QPR.

It could be a sign that we’re entering the final days of Redknapp’s tenure as QPR manager. Redknapp is under pressure, following QPR’s poor start to the 2014-15 Premier League season. QPR sits dead last in the standings, having earned four points from its first eight game.