Queen's Park Rangers yesterday suspended their assistant manager
Richard Hill until further notice, following his arrest over his
part in the brawl that marred last week's match against China's
Olympic team.
Hill was arrested on Saturday on charges of causing actual
bodily harm (ABH), a serious offence carrying up to five years in
prison.
The 43-year-old was released on bail pending further questions
and possible charges when the police investigation concludes.
China player Zheng Tao was knocked unconscious with a broken jaw
during the fracas, which resulted in the February 7 match being
thrown out.
The incident is under investigation by English football's
governing body, the Football Association, as well as local
police.
In a statement on Tuesday, the police announced that they were
"continuing to investigate a number of assaults following a
disturbance amongst players at a match between QPR FC and the
Chinese Olympic team.
Reports of the scene conveyed that on arrival, police discovered
a 21-year-old man suffering facial injuries. He was conveyed to
Hillingdon Hospital where he was treated for a broken jaw. He was
later discharged.
"Subsequent investigation found a further two injured males: one
with injuries amounting to ABH, the other suffering a fractured eye
socket. All parties from both QPR and the Chinese team are
assisting police."
Seven members of China's squad were sent home in disgrace
following the clashes, which spread to involve over 30 players and
coaches on both sides.
A statement from QPR read: "Following the incident at the
training ground on February 7, and the subsequent police
investigation of the matter, Queens Park Rangers Football Club have
suspended assistant manager Richard Hill from his duties until
further notice."
The club has refused any further comment pending the outcome of
the FA and police inquiries.
The Chinese under-23 squad is currently in England as guests of
Premiership champions Chelsea.
The Chinese FA has vowed to crack down on players seen as being
at fault during the incident. The brawl caused widespread
condemnation by the Chinese media and is seen as an embarrassment
in the countdown to next year's Beijing Olympics.
The brawl erupted after striker Gao Lin, one of the seven
players sent home, lashed out following a tough tackle from a QPR
player. Gao apologized for his lack of control but insisted he had
fallen prey to provocation.
(China Daily February 14, 2007)