Redknapp frustrated by penalty call

Harry Redknapp criticised referee Martin Atkinson’s decision not to award QPR a penalty in Friday’s 2-1 loss to Arsenal.

While few gave Redknapp’s men a chance at the Emirates Stadium, they were gifted an opportunity when Olivier Giroud’s foolish decision to head-butt Nedum Onuoha early in the second half left the hosts – who were 1-0 ahead – down to 10 men.

However, Alexis Sanchez, having scored the opener after missing an early penalty, paved the way for Tomas Rosicky to add a second.

Charlie Austin pulled a goal back from the penalty spot, yet it was an incident in the box later in the game – when Bobby Zamora seemed to have been fouled by Kieran Gibbs – that was on Redknapp’s mind when he spoke to reporters.

Redknapp said: “Bobby could not believe he didn’t get the decision. It was a penalty for sure.

“The referee had already given two penalties and I don’t know why he never gave that one.”

Although Redknapp was frustrated by that decision, he also criticised his men for failing to take full advantage of their one-man advantage.

He added: “When they [Arsenal] went down to 10 men there was a great opportunity for us.

“To go two down was a massive blow.”

QPR are two points above the Premier League’s relegation zone ahead of Sunday’s home game against 18th-placed Crystal Palace.