Chris Ramsey insisted a poor refereeing decision cost QPR vital points against West Ham.
A 0-0 draw at Loftus Road, where Charlie Austin missed a first-half penalty, left Rangers one place off the bottom of the Premier League, four points from safety with four matches remaining – three of which are away.
Their cause was not helped by Hull and Leicester both winning, or by Steven Caulker being adjudged to have fouled Hammers keeper Adrian before Richard Dunne forced the ball into the net in the second half.
“It was difficult (to stay up) before the game and it’s more difficult now because other teams have done well and we’ve done fair,” Ramsey said.
“Unfortunately it was a very frustrating day. You can look at that and think that referees need to think of the consequences of their decision sometimes, because we’re fighting and scrapping (against relegation) and there’s no way that was a foul.
“People’s livelihoods are at stake and you’ve got decisions like that go against you.
“It was given as a foul by Caulker but he’s gone up to head the ball and it was a normal challenge. The keeper spilled the ball.
“Richard Dunne’s bravery was outstanding – the way he attacked the ball and almost gets his head kicked in.
“If the keeper goes up for the ball, what are we supposed to do? Just let him catch it and clear it.”
The hosts might still have got the win they desperately needed had Austin been able to convert his spot-kick following James Collins’ handball.
Adrian’s save denied Austin his 18th goal of the season but Ramsey defended the striker, whose form has helped keep his team in with a fighting chance of avoiding the drop.
“We haven’t had that bit of quality to score the goals we need from around the pitch,” said the Rangers head coach.
“Obviously Charlie is devastated about the penalty but he knows he has contributed to our season greatly and a lot of the points we’ve accumulated have been down to him.
“We’ve probably relied too much this season on the centre-forwards’ goals and not had enough chip-ins from the rest of the team.”
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This post was last modified on 26/04/2015