The return of Chelsea to Loftus Road saw the return of speculation regarding John Terry, Anton Ferdinand, and that incident last year. The event overshadowed any talk of the scoreline of this fixture last season (QPR won 1-0 after Chelsea went down to nine men) and Ferdinand’s refusal to shake Terry’s hand before this game was perhaps the most notable point about this afternoons stale match.
Since last year’s incident Terry has been cleared of racial abusing Ferdinand in a criminal court (although the FA may still press their own charges against him) and has also helped his team lift the Champion’s League and FA Cup. QPR just avoided the just avoided dropping down to the Championship on the last day of the season and have started off this year’s campaign slowly, coming into this game having taken one point from three games. Chelsea had won all three of their matches this season before the game.
Chelsea had the better chances in the first half with Torres and Hazard both having shots, but in reality few genuine chances were made. Twice the Chelsea players appealed for penalty decisions after apparent fouls on Terry and Hazard but the referee waved play on.
In the second half QPR were the better side, but couldn't capitalise on their chances. Park Ji-Sung wasted an easy header and Bobby Zamora rounded Petr Cech but failed to get his shot away. Edin Hazard also had a chance to win the game for Chelsea in the closing minutes but he spooned his close range effort over the bar.
It was a lacklustre display by both sized and the game will perhaps only be remembered for fuelling the animosity between Terry and Ferdinand.