QPR chairman Fernandes insists Warnock axe not influenced by tweets

QPR chairman Tony Fernandes insists he did not sack Neil Warnock over tweets from fans.

Fernandes admits Warnock's dismissal was one of most difficult decisions he's had to make.

He told PA Sport: "That was the most difficult time I've encountered as a boss of any of my businesses."

The owner of Caterham F1 and airline AirAsia added: "I liked Neil, and I thought like with any of my employees it would be a long, long, long relationship.

"Sadly I ended up doing the one thing I said I wouldn't do, which is why it was tough.

"I'd rather not go into the reasons why I got rid of him. It was a decision that was made, and we've moved on from it."

Dismissing suggestions that he reacted to Tweets from fans, Fernandes said: "For people who have known me for a long time, my board and I will do what we think is right.

"We're not going to be pressurised by players, fans or anybody. We have to do what we think is right for the club in the long run.

"Like anything, though, I am in the public eye and I love transparency and openness, but there's a limit to what I can say and shouldn't say.

"That's because when you're in the public eye and say something it can affect other people, so you have to balance it."