Ex-referee insists QPR penalty decision was spot on

Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher has insisted that the penalty awarded against QPR on Saturday was the correct decision.

Rangers were beaten 2-1 by Sheffield United at Loftus Road, where David McGoldrick scored the visitors’ winner from the spot.

Jake Bidwell was adjudged to have fouled the striker – a decision which left Rangers manager Steve McClaren furious.

However, speaking on Sky Sports News, Gallagher said he was in no doubt the penalty was justified.

“Yes, it certainly was,” Gallagher said. “As the ball comes in, he (Bidwell) eases him (McGoldrick) out and knocks him off his stride so he can’t head the ball. The referee has an absolutely perfect view of it.”

McClaren, who has lost both his opening matches as R’s boss, felt his team were hard done by.

“I can’t understand the penalty,” McClaren said after Saturday’s game.

“We feel McGoldrick is handling Joel Lynch and Bidwell is behind, just ducking to get out of the way. There’s no contact. It’s cost us the game.”

Meanwhile, QPR are set to confirm the signing of veteran defender Angel Rangel, who is being brought in as cover while Darnell Furlong is injured.