QPR boss Mick Harford branded his players "totally inept" after their 2-1 defeat to Ipswich.
QPR boss pulls no punches after Town reverse
QPR boss Mick Harford branded his players "totally inept" after watching his side slide to a 2-1 defeat at the hands of fellow strugglers Ipswich.
So poor was the first-half display by the hosts, owner Flavio Briatore was forced to leave his seat at the interval.
The Italian recieved a chorus of boos as he departed and did not bother coming back for the second half with Rangers, the club labelled a 'circus' by disgruntled supporters, 2-0 down and playing like clowns.
David Norris and Daryl Murphy were the grateful recipients of Rangers' comical defending, while the visitors squandered a host of other chances before the break.
And the home dressing room will probably be in need of a fresh lick of paint after Harford tore a strip off his side at half-time.
Improved
"For a professional club, that first-half performance was not acceptable," blasted Harford.
"It was totally inept, lacking everything. Lacking effort, lacking commitment.
"Ipswich should have been out of sight, they had chance after chance and carved us open."
Briatore missed an improved second-half display from his side, which saw Jay Simpson pull a goal back.
But Rangers, once again among the pre-season tips for a play-off push, are facing up to a relegation battle with a fourth straight defeat leaving them just two points off the drop zone.
"We played better in the second half but that doesn't really bother me at the moment," added Harford.
"At half-time I told them the fans were right to boo. I asked them if everyone was up for the fight, a rallying call for more effort and commitment.
"The players now know they are in a relegation fight."
Critical
Ipswich boss Roy Keane could not have picked more accommodating opposition to hand his improving side only their second away win of the season.
"It was an important night for us," said Keane.
"Obviously we should have done better in terms of killing the game off but I have to be pleased, in the end we got the win.
"We were at it in the first half. We had two or three other chances and at 2-0 we were actually a bit disappointed.
"We knew QPR would come out in the second half and they caused us problems, but we haven't had that many victories.
"So it's not a night to be critical because we got the result."
