QPR boss plays down Austin goal celebration

QPR manager Mark Warburton savoured the dramatic derby triumph over his former club Brentford.

Warburton also played down Charlie Austin’s celebration after his winning goal in the 2-1 victory.

Austin, back for a second spell at Rangers, ran towards the technical area and close to Brentford boss Thomas Frank, who was unamused.

“Thomas and Charlie will shake hands and move on,” Warburton said.

“It’s a local derby with emotions running high and Charlie’s just scored the winner late in the game – it’s never going to be nicey nicey, that’s for sure.

“Someone might not agree with the way he conducted himself, but Charlie’s a top-class pro and it means a lot – it means a lot to Charlie, to the team and our supporters.

“I’m delighted for Charlie and for the team. It’s a really important three points for us and obviously we know what it means to the supporters.”

Brentford were on top and leading through Ivan Toney’s opener.

But they switched off at the back and were punished by on-loan West Brom duo Austin and Sam Field scoring in the space of four second-half minutes.

“In the first half an hour we showed far too much respect to Brentford,” said Warburton.

“They were the better team. They’re a good team if you give them time and space.

“We had to respond and be better in the second half, which we certainly were.

“The players deserve so much credit for that quality of response.”