Fans will be left disappointed by lack of Championship-winning celebrations

HAMMERSMITH & Fulham Council have confirmed that QPR snubbed the offer of holding a parade to celebration their promotion to the Premier League.

Rangers announced on Wednesday that there would be no parade, citing ‘factors beyond our control’ and the uncertainty generated by the recent FA inquiry into the club’s transfer dealings.

But the council – who hosted a reception at Hammersmith Town Hall following a parade to mark Rangers’ promotion to the Championship in 2004 – say the club rejected a similar proposal this time.

Cllr Greg Smith, cabinet member for residents’ services, said: “The council was very keen on a parade but Queens Park Rangers turned down this opportunity.

“We will, however, be inviting them to a civic reception with the Mayor of the borough.”

Championship runners-up Norwich City held a parade earlier this week and it is extremely rare for a promoted club to decline that kind of public celebration.

QPR have announced that they plan to hold some kind of alternative celebration after pre-season training begins in July – although that is inevitably likely to clash with many supporters’ holiday plans.

The club acknowledged in a statement: “We know this will be a huge disappointment to our fans, who have been fantastic this season.”