QPR have said they take “very seriously” allegations of historical sexual abuse made against former employee Chris Gieler and will cooperate in investigations.
The Championship club are the latest to have been dragged into the ongoing scandal engulfing football.
Gieler, who died in 2004, was employed by QPR for 30 years, working in youth development and as chief scout.
A statement from the club read: “QPR takes these allegations very seriously and will cooperate fully in any forthcoming investigation.
“Any form of abuse has no place in football or society.”
West Brom and Watford charged
West Brom and Watford have been charged with misconduct by the English FA following Saturday’s Premier League match at The Hawthorns.
Watford forward Roberto Pereyra was sent off six minutes from the end of West Brom’s 3-1 win when he reacted angrily to a James McClean challenge.
The incident resulted in both sets of players clashing on the touchline.
An FA statement read: “Both West Bromwich Albion and Watford have been charged for failing to ensure their players conducted themselves in an orderly fashion and/or refrained from provocative behaviour.”
Darmstadt sack coach Meier
Bundesliga strugglers Darmstadt have dismissed head coach Norbert Meier and director of sport Holger Fach after Sunday’s 2-0 defeat to Hamburg left them in the relegation play-off berth.
The Lilies have slumped into the bottom three after losing five successive games, leading the club to decide a change of management was necessary.
Ramon Berndroth, who is director of the club’s youth academy, has been appointed on a caretaker basis until a new permanent coach can be found.
That could well be former Hamburg coach Bruno Labbadia, who was relieved of his duties earlier this season and whose ex-club registered their first win of the season by beating Darmstadt on Sunday.
Watmore out
Sunderland’s in-form forward Duncan Watmore will miss the rest of the season after a scan showed he has damaged cruciate knee ligaments.
The 22-year-old was carried off in the 83rd minute of Saturday’s 2-1 Premier League win over Leicester City after colliding with full-back Christian Fuchs.
Sunderland boss David Moyes has already lost Paddy McNair and Lynden Gooch to long-term injuries but while the former has also been ruled out for the season, Gooch does not require surgery on his torn ankle ligaments.
Bolasie to have knee surgery
Everton forward Yannick Bolasie will have surgery to repair knee ligament damage sustained in the 1-1 draw at home to Manchester United in the Premier League on Sunday.
The DR Congo international picked up the injury in the second half at Goodison Park and the Toffees confirmed he needed an operation.
“Scans have now confirmed anterior cruciate ligament damage to the knee. Bolasie will undergo surgery in the next few days,” the club said.
Bolasie, 27, had played in every game for Everton since joining on a five-year contract from Crystal Palace in August for an initial fee of £25 million.
Cathro aiming high with Hearts
Ian Cathro reckons Hearts is the perfect place to kick off his managerial career because the possibilities for the Tynecastle side are limitless.
The 30-year-old is club owner Ann Budge’s bold choice to replace former head coach Robbie Neilson after his departure to MK Dons.
After starting his coaching with Dundee United’s academy, Cathro had stints with Valencia and most recently Newcastle.
Cathro said: “This is the right place. It’s the right place because of the tremendous work that has taken place over the last two-and-a-half years.
“There is space to develop. We intend on being here for a long time. There will be highs and lows, but it’s about improving.”
Mertesacker eyes new year return
Arsenal centre-back Per Mertesacker is nearing match fitness and is eyeing a return to action in the new year after spending the first half of the Premier League season on the sidelines due to a knee problem.
The German, who was ap-pointed club captain following Mikel Arteta’s departure this year, was injured in a pre-season friendly in July.
“I’m hopeful that I can join the team properly and be available to the team next year,” Mertesacker told reporters.
“That’s my resolution. I want to be back on the pitch and with the ball. I’m able to run now, painless, and it’s what it’s all about.
“When you are able to run again after such a long time it makes you feel happy.”