“Unhappy”- Sad’ QPR manager reacts to ‘HARSH’ Red Card and mixed Emotions after Leeds United earn draw at Loftus Road”
QPR manager Marti Cifuentes was left torn after his side’s 2-2 draw with Leeds United on Saturday afternoon.
While Cifuentes praised his team’s performance, he expressed disappointment with the result, having seen his side throw away a 2-0 lead.
A Morgan Fox own goal and a Jayden Bogle strike leveled the game for Leeds, who earned a point to bounce back from their 1-0 loss at Portsmouth the previous weekend.
“I think Leeds are a fantastic team,” Cifuentes said. “I said before the match, and I’ll say it again now, I hope they get promoted because it wasn’t easy for them last season.
I can imagine there’s a lot going through Daniel’s mind after being 2-0 up in the first half, but they’re a stronger team this season, and the points they’ve earned so far show how good they are.
“That’s why I’m unhappy with the result, but I’m proud of how we competed against such a good side, especially with the quality they bring off the bench. As Daniel mentioned, Gnonto had a big impact in the second half, and they were very dominant—it was tough to contain them.”
QPR were reduced to 10 men in stoppage time when Koki Saito received a straight red card for a high challenge on Leeds’ Daniel James. As James made a break, Saito caught him on the calf with his studs, prompting referee Tim Robinson to send the Japanese winger off.
“I haven’t seen the replay yet, but I felt it was a bit harsh,” Cifuentes admitted. “It wasn’t far from me, but I spoke to the referee, and he had a better view. He was very sure of his decision, and I have full respect for the referee’s choices.
“I’m just sad because Koki is such a nice guy, and I’m sure he didn’t mean to injure the player. I need to see the replay, but I trust and respect the referee’s decision.”
