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[Steve Russell]

Ryan McDonald for 'Football Scotland'...

Leon Balogun invites angry QPR fans to training ground after ex Rangers
star's confrontation with boo boys

The former Ibrox defender was caught on camera attempting to speak with
fans after yesterday's defeat at Wigan

Leon Balogun has broken silence on his confrontation with raging QPR fans
after yesterday's dismal defeat at Wigan.

The former Rangers star was filmed attempting to speak with a section of travelling
supporters, who vented their fury at Gareth Ainsworth's flops at full-time.

However, Balogun was soon dragged away by teammate Albert Adomah as QPR
punters hurled abuse at the defender - who conceded the penalty which gifted
Shaun Maloney's Wigan a priceless 1-0 victory in the battle for survival.

The result leaves 19th-placed QPR only three points above the relegation zone
after just two wins from 23 games. And it was a day to forget for Balogun,
who was drafted in for his first appearance for the London club since November.

Now, in a lengthy statement posted on Twitter, the 34-year-old has opened up
on his attempts to make peace with the club's supporters and has invited punters to
the English Championship's side training ground for clear-the-air talks

Balogun wrote: "I am aware of a video going around of me with some QPR fans
at the end of yesterday's game and want to clarify what happened.

"When I walked over to the supporters after the match, I did so in order to show
my appreciation. Did I expect it to be pretty? No. My intentions were genuine
and without malice of any kind.

"I do acknowledge that my body language looks a certain way in the video going
around, but the sole purpose was to show that I can't hear what one particular
person was trying to say and I wanted to speak with him - not argue back but speak.

"I didn't go there to have a go at fans as some are saying on social media - after
giving away a penalty I was hardly going to do that!

"Yes, I said 'calm down' but followed by 'talk to me' as I was approaching the stand.
Not because I think you have no right to be angry (of course you do!) but in order
to enter into a dialogue.

I've been in situations like this before and always found
that an opportunity to build a better bond between players and supporters,
but also to show some accountability, especially during bad periods.

"Unfortunately, that dialogue didn't and couldn't happen, which is why my team
mate Albert tried to pull me away in order to protect me.
Me resisting him makes the whole situation look worse, I can see that.

But at no point was I trying to be arrogant, mock any of the supporters let
alone argue with them. Like I said before: I didn't expect it to be pretty,
but I did think that after the initial bit of abuse, we could talk openly.

"I have a lot of respect and appreciation for the support you've been constantly
showing us this season, which is why I came over in the first place.
And I know as a team we've let you down massively and you feel like we've not
been able to match your efforts, yet again.

"I have been just as frustrated as you that I haven't been able to contribute for
the last few months.

I have asked the club to invite some fans to the training ground so we can talk
and I can answer their frustrations directly which is all I wanted to do after
the game.

"I am determined to do all I can to play my part in the last seven games because
this club should not be in this position and it is down to us - the players -
to get across the line.

"So thank you for your support during the match and I hope you all
had a safe trip home."

[ESSEXURs]

Damage limitation?!
We now have two versions of the conversation but unfortunately although
the incident was caught on a mobile only general crowd noises.
If it does happen it would be unlikely the player(s) will talk freely about
what has caused this horrendous run of games.
We shall see.

[Tommy Cunningham]

Absolute bollox and another dud posing as a QPR player, trapping off
about money to QPR supporters who spent their hard earned following their team.

Then sadly they arrive in Wigan to see a pub league player in Leon Balogun,
wearing a QPR shirt and performing like the substandard player he is.

I hope Leon Balogun never plays for QPR again.

[steveqpr881]

Damage limitation?!
We now have two versions of the conversation

True, and the fan's version doesn't exactly tally with what Balogun is saying.

[Tommy Cunningham]

Leon Balogun probably strolled into W12 giving it the Charlie Bigspud,
when in all reality he is no more than a National League player at best.

To think this is the calibre of player we are relying on to maintain our
Championship status, really says it all and how poor and how low the
standards are at QPR these days.

[steveqpr881]

Can I just point out that Leon Balogun is an anagram of " bungle a loon."
Just saying......

[Tommy Cunningham]

About right Steve.

[steveqpr881]

Ryan McDonald for 'Football Scotland'...
Leon Balogun invites angry QPR fans to training ground after ex Rangers star's confrontation with boo boys

If he was a star in Glasgow but he's such a bum for us, what does that say about the quality of Scottish football??