Hughes snubbed ‘patronising’ Jol gesture

Mark Hughes revealed he brushed off Martin Jol after Fulham’s derby victory at Loftus Road because he felt patronised by the Dutchman.

But both managers played down talk of a rift, insisting they shook hands at the final whistle and were happy to do so.

The result against his former club was a bitter disappointment for QPR boss Hughes, whose team’s relegation worries increased after their 1-0 defeat.

But he denied snubbing his successor as Fulham manager, saying: “He offered his hand and I shook it readily and congratulated him on his victory.

“He then tried to tap me on the head, which I took to be slightly patronising so brushed it away.”

Jol admitted: “Maybe I made it a bit too personal. I tried to put my hand on his shoulder and he didn’t like it. He’s a tough guy. He’s a winner and he wanted to win.”

And Jol dismissed suggestions Hughes’ reaction was related to recent comments attributed to the ex-Tottenham manager.

He was reported to have mocked Hughes by saying he had been quick to leave his previous clubs.

But Jol insisted: “I never said anything. They asked me if I would like to stay longer at Fulham and I said any manager does well to stay somewhere longer than one year.

“It was then linked to him. They said I said he hadn’t stayed anywhere for more than a year when everyone knows he spent years with Blackburn and Wales. So we e-mailed the whole of that press conference to him.”

Hughes said: “I don’t recall receiving an e-mail. I think there were e-mails between the two PR departments. But I’ve got no problem with Martin. He can say what he likes.”

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