QPR boss Gareth Ainsworth had no complaints about Jack Colback’s red card in yesterday’s 3-1 home defeat to Sunderland.
The Hoops were leading at the time thanks to Kenneth Paal’s 12th minute opener, a low drive from outside the box which beat Mackems keeper Anthony Patterson.
But they were reduced to 10-men just nine minutes later when Colback was dismissed for a lunge on Jobe Bellingham, leaving QPR to face the majority of the game with a numerical disadvantage.
Jack Clarke drew Sunderland level deep into first half stoppage time via a deflection off Steve Cook and the visitors went ahead on 57 minutes through Dan Ballard.
Ainsworth then made five changes in a bid to salvage something from the game but Abdoullah Ba struck a decisive third in the 81st minute to kill the contest.
Asked afterwards if Colback’s untimely departure had been harsh, the Loftus Road boss refused to accept it was.
“No,” said Ainsworth.
“I’ve seen it once on video. Jack’s late, and sometimes being the competitor that he is you are going to pick them up.
“I picked one or two up in my career through honest competing but it was difficult then because he is a real key member of that midfield.
“He has scored two in two and is ex-Sunderland – ironically that always happens doesn’t it?
“Then having to tuck the three into midfield and try and keep that shape at the back – and then trying to tinker second half to put more forwards on and more aggressive players to try and come back into the game at 2-1 down – I just wish we could have held on.
“At 2-1 we would have had chances, we would have smelt something at the end there and maybe got something but the third goal really kills us.
“Fair play to Sunderland. I said this before the last time we played them they were the better team. They were the better team today and scored three goals.”
Ainsworth had spoken beforehand of the need to make the most of home advantage after some difficult away games at the start of the season, which ultimately again QPR weren’t able to do,
However, there is a quick opportunity to bounce back on Tuesday evening when Swansea City visit Loftus Road, one the Hoops boss is relishing.
He said: “Swansea will be a totally different kettle of fish. It is going to be a game where there is a formation change.
“Whether I change it, or whether I change bodies or not, we will have to see.
“We’ve had some internationals coming home but I thought everyone looked ok today.
“There is no injuries to report which is great and the lads emptied the tank. That’s all I ever ask for.
“For a team that didn’t spend any money in the window, and for a team that was tipped to not achieve at all this season, you wait and see because we are going to be alright. I promise you that.”
Follow @sportsouthlndn on X for updates from QPR v Swansea
