QPR suspend manager Jim Magilton over bust-up

Published on Wednesday 9 December 2009 23:11

QPR manager Jim Magilton has vowed to clear his name after being suspended by the club following a high-profile bust-up with midfielder Akos Buzsaky.

Magilton has been suspended by the west London club after allegations he head-butted the Hungarian during the 3-1 defeat at Watford on Monday. The 40-year-old insists he is looking forward to being reinstated following the club's investigation.

The former Northern Ireland international said in a statement: "While passions can run high in football, especially after a poor performance, I categorically deny any allegation of wrong-doing following Monday's fixture. I understand that the club has initiated an internal investigation, with which I will co-operate fully.

"This is an unfortunate situation and I look forward to resuming my responsibilities shortly."

The club say a further announcement on assistant manager John Gorman and reserves manager Keith Ryan will be made "in due course" and have appointed youth team managers Steve Gallen and Marc Bircham as caretakers.

QPR said in a statement: "The club can confirm that youth team managerial duo Steve Gallen and Marc Bircham have been placed in temporary charge following the news that manager Jim Magilton has been suspended.

"The pair will be in charge of the Rs' Championship fixture against West Bromwich Albion on Monday night.

"A further announcement regarding the futures of John Gorman and Keith Ryan will be made in due course."

An earlier club statement read: "The club can confirm that manager Jim Magilton has been suspended with immediate effect, pending an internal investigation. The suspension relates to an incident which occurred at Monday's Championship fixture against Watford at Vicarage Road."

Meanwhile, Buzsaky has denied handing in a transfer request. "It is not true at all," the 27-year-old told the club's official website. "I am entirely focused on our next fixture against West Brom on Monday night. We are in a strong position just three points outside the play-offs and as professional footballers our sole aim is to focus on the upcoming matches."

Magilton's suspension comes after allegations that the Ulsterman reacted furiously to Buzsaky's response when he asked whether he thought he was being bullied. Magilton allegedly head-butted him before QPR and Ghana striker Patrick Agyemang stepped in to intervene, condemning Magilton for the attack while Buzsaky stormed out of the dressing room. Magilton becomes the second manager this week to become embroiled in a high- profile clash with a player, after Stoke manager Tony Pulis' allegedly head-butted James Beattie following the defeat by Arsenal at the weekend.

The pair reportedly fell out over the players' Christmas party in London after the 2-0 defeat at the Emirates Stadium.

The argument was said to have erupted after Pulis reportedly went back on his word to give his side the Monday off, resulting in a changing-room fracas.

Sources close to the club say Beattie has apologised to Pulis over the incident. However, the player's advisor told Sky Sports News it was Pulis who apologised to the players for his conduct.

The situation might become clearer today when Pulis hosts a media briefing ahead of the Barclays Premier League clash with Wigan on Saturday. There are suggestions that former Everton striker Beattie might now be looking to leave Stoke.

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