Blackwell backs Fer after QPR’s defeat

QPR midfielder Leroy Fer

Kevin Blackwell praised Leroy Fer after an injury-time penalty condemned QPR to a 1-0 defeat at Middlesbrough.

Fer was sent off for blocking a shot with his hand and Grant Leadbitter scored with the resulting spot-kick to deny Rangers what would have been a deserved point and a fourth clean sheet in six matches.

“Leroy’s got sent off but he played really well. I can’t fault anyone,” said Blackwell, who took charge because interim boss Neil Warnock missed the match for personal reasons.

Rangers defended resolutely and created chances during a second-half spell in which Matt Phillips missed their best opportunity.

“I feel for the players. I know some have questioned them, but they showed real passion,” Blackwell added.

“Sometimes you don’t get out what you put in and the lads didn’t tonight. That was a very good performance.

“They stuck to a gameplan and Boro really couldn’t deal with it, and in the second half we had five great chances.”