QPR youngster Armstrong being ‘victimised’ – Ainsworth

Gareth Ainsworth claimed Sinclair Armstrong is being “victimised” following QPR’s defeat against Sunderland.

Rangers were beaten 3-1 at Loftus Road, where Jack Colback was sent off against his former club.

Several decisions went against Armstrong and boss Ainsworth is convinced the young striker’s physical strength is unfairly influencing referees.

“I’ve got no complaints about the red card,” Ainsworth said.

“If I’ve got any complaints, I’d complain that Sinclair Armstrong gets victimised.

“I didn’t know that being bigger, stronger and faster than people is going to be an offence in football. That seems to be what’s happening to Sinclair.

“It seems to be preconceived ideas at the moment that he’s going to give fouls away. He’s actually stronger than people, he’s easing them out and they’re going down.

“I’d really like the refs to have a look at it and think ‘You know what, he’s actually going down and trying to buy a foul here rather than Sinclair doing anything wrong’.

“He’s going to be one hell of a player, Sinclair, and if he can get the rub of the green then he’s going to get many more chances.

“There were about five when he’s got in and people are going down and rolling around and the ref seems to be giving those fouls.”

Kenneth Paal put the hosts ahead but they were reduced to 10 men when Colback was red-carded for a challenge on Jobe Bellingham.

Sunderland equalised in the seventh minute of first-half stoppage time when Jack Clarke’s effort was diverted in by QPR defender Steve Cook.

And second-half goals from Dan Ballard and Abdoullah Ba secured the points for the visitors.

Ainsworth said: “Jack’s a competitor and if you tackle hard in this day and age and miss your timing then the refs can come down with a red card. He’s been a victim of that.

“We had a plan put in place and looked very secure, but with 10 men it was always going to be difficult against a team that were one game away from the Premier League last year and have spent good money in the transfer window.”

Rangers were almost relegated under Ainsworth last season, have won just once at home since last October and have lost all three of their home matches this term.

But he is adamant that there has been a marked improvement.

Ainsworth said: “This place is different to what it was. I’ll tell you now: these boys empty the tank every single game.

“It was hard with 10 men. I’m not saying we definitely would have won with 11, but we had a plan.

“To get to half-time 1-0 would have been great. It’s a different team-talk at 1-0 up.

“After that I just wanted us to stay in the game. The third goal was really a killer. That kills us off.”