QUEENS Park Rangers have been provided with the following statement by West Bromwich Albion.

West Bromwich Albion’s Matheus Pereira has sent an apology to QPR fans for his goal celebration in the recent SkyBet Championship fixture between the clubs.

The midfield star scored Albion’s second goal in the 84th minute from a free-kick awarded after Rangers had been reduced to 10 men following a red card.

Matheus celebrated the victory-clinching moment by copying a cut-across-the-throat gesture familiar in South American football.

Rangers and Albion have received complaints from supporters mindful that their Loftus Road venue has been re-named The Kyan Prince Foundation stadium in memory of a 15-year-old Academy player who lost his life in May 2006 to a knife-crime incident.

In response to those complaints, Matheus has issued a profound apology which he has asked Rangers to relay to their supporters: “Of course I must apologise if my goal celebrations caused any offence. It is most important supporters at QPR and beyond understand that it was never my intention to do so.

“The gesture was meant only to signify ‘game over’ as my goal had given us 2-0 lead and the opposition had lost a player to a red card. I was very excited for my first goal and happy for our supporters. I saw a Brazilian player with Flamengo doing it recently and it was just in my mind.

“I have since been made aware of the story of the Kyan Prince Foundation and understand why my celebrations might have been misunderstood and caused offence. It was certainly not my intention to do so and I apologise for that.

“I am here to enjoy English football and make friends and share in he excitement of the game in this country. I apologise sincerely for any offence I may have caused.”