Premier League club QPR deny defender Steven Caulker was rushed to hospital after altercation

Caulker was taken to hospital on Sunday and later discharged. Credit: PA

QPR have denied there was an altercation at a Sunday lunchtime gathering, but have admitted defender Steven Caulker required hospital treatment for a cut to his head.

A newspaper report on Monday night suggested there was a fracas at the Ship Inn in South London, where players from QPR and Crystal Palace were in attendance.

QPR spokesperson Ian Taylor responded on Twitter, writing:

"Following Saturday's Premier League win versus Burnley & with no further fixture for nine days the club can confirm players were allowed to have a Sunday lunch together.

"Steven Caulker was not involved in an altercation. He did suffer a cut to his head, which he received treatment for at hospital before being discharged on the same evening.The club will be making no further comment."

A police spokesman confirmed: "A 22-year-old man is understood to have slipped when getting into or out of a vehicle.

"The man banged his head and was taken by London Ambulance Service to a south London hospital. He is not believed to have been seriously injured."

QPR's victory against fellow strugglers Burnley on Saturday lifted them out of the Premier League relegation zone for the first time since September.

Last week, manager Harry Redknapp suggested there would be no end of year festivities for the players.

“I’m not into Christmas parties, not for footballers," he said. "I think it’s more aggravation than it’s worth."