Magilton wants QPR return after Buzsaky bust-up

Suspended Queens Park Rangers (QPR) manager Jim Magilton has promised to clear his name and return to work with the Championship club.

Magilton was suspended by the London side on Wednesday following British press reports he’d headbutted Hungarian midfielder Akos Buzsaky after QPR’s 3-1 league loss away to Watford on Monday.

“The club can confirm that manager Jim Magilton has been suspended with immediate effect, pending an internal investigation,” QPR said in a statement issued on Wednesday.

“The suspension relates to an incident which occurred at Monday’s Championship fixture against Watford at Vicarage Road.

“The club will be making no further comment at this stage.”

Magilton issued a statement later Wednesday saying: “While passions can run high in football, especially after a poor performance, I categorically deny any allegation of wrong-doing following Monday’s fixture.

“I understand that the club has initiated an internal investigation, with which I will cooperate fully,” the 40-year-old ex-Northern Ireland international added.

“This is an unfortunate situation and I look forward to resuming my responsibilities shortly.”

Buzsaky denied reports he’d handed in a transfer request and wanted to leave Loftus Road, telling QPR’s official website: “It’s not true at all.

“I am entirely focused on our next fixture against West Bromwich Albion on Monday night.

“We are in a strong position, just three points outside the playoffs, and as professional footballers our sole aim is to focus on the upcoming matches,” Buzsaky added.

The future of QPR assistant manager John Gorman and reserve team manager Keith Ryan appeared unclear Wednesday, with the club saying an announcement on the duo would be made in due course.

Youth team managers Steve Gallen and Marc Bircham have been put in caretaker charge of the senior side for the West Brom match.

Magilton is the second manager in English football this week to find himself involved in accusations of violence towards one of his own players after Tony Pulis, boss of Premier League Stoke, was alleged to have headbutted striker James Beattie after last weekend’s loss to Arsenal.

The duo reportedly became involved in a heated argument after Pulis was said to have changed his mind to give players Monday off from training as part of the club’s Christmas party arrangements.