QPR have withdrawn from a youth tournament in Milan due to a player suffering vile racist abuse.
The Rs were taking part in the Winter Cup in Italy when one of the youngsters in the Under-13 squad was subjected to racism from an opposition player after one of their games on Saturday.
The club decided – despite progressing to the next stage – that they were not going to continue competing in the tournament.
QPR Academy Director Alex Carroll expressed how proud he was of the youngsters in how they handled the situation.
But stated the club have a ‘zero-tolerance’ stance on discrimination and will always take the necessary steps to protect players.
The youngsters are due back in London tonight with the club safeguarding team in touch with those impacted by the incident.
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Carroll said: “It is regrettable to find ourselves in such a situation.
“Providing our youngsters with exposure to tournaments in different countries can be hugely beneficial for their development.
“However, we have a zero-tolerance stance on all forms of discrimination and will always take the steps necessary to protect our players.
“We are incredibly proud of the way our boys handled a very difficult situation.
“The club’s safeguarding team are now in contact with those impacted by this incident.”
A club statement read: “QPR can confirm it has taken the decision to withdraw its players from the Winter Cup, a youth tournament held in Milan.
“This action has been taken after one of our U13 players was subjected to racist abuse from an opposition player at the conclusion of our fixture on Saturday 13th December.
“Despite progressing to the next stage of the competition, the club has decided not to continue its involvement.”
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