There was no mass departure from the visiting team, as the sad circumstances certainly required when the fate of the relegation of the Derby was finally confirmed.
Television cameras even struggled to capture the usual heartbroken fans in uncontrollable tears.
Instead, those who had traveled with hope and occupied one end of the Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium stood together, proud and defiant, applauding long and hard to Wayne Rooney and his players, who had given their best to try to keep the Derby at bay. Championship against the odds and just get out short.
Derby dropped out of the Championship after their defeat by QPR
Wayne Rooney’s country looked as if they could fight another day before the late drama
Luke Amos scored at the end of the 88th minute for QPR – although the Derby has not yet fallen
But Reading fought 4-1 down against Swansea to draw in the fifth minute of added time after second-half goals from Tom Ince, Lucas Joao and Tom McIntyre.
MATCH FACTS
QPR: Westwood, Odubaho (Kakai 58), Sanderson, Dunn, McCallum, Field, Dozel (Johansen 75, Thomas (Austin 70), Amos, Chair, Dykes
Unused subtitles: Ball, Gray, Adomah, Mahoney
Goal: Amos 88
Reserved: Dozzell, Field
Derby: Olsop, Byrne, Davis, Keshin, Buchanan (Sibulski 85), Bielik (Morrison 63), Thompson, Abioway, Lawrence, Knight (Sibley 75), Plunge
Unused submarines: Forsythe, Sturman, Rus, Watson
Expelled: Lawrence (second yellow)
Referee: Josh Smith (Lincolnshire)
In the end, the mountain they were asked to climb to stay in the second level was just too high.
The last nail was driven into their coffin in a way as cruel as some of the events that were thrown at the Derby this season and left them to watch the drop.
The late winner of Luke Amos condemned Derby to defeat, as the goal came just when, in keeping with its season, Rooney’s team was pushing for a winner and heroically refused to fall without a fight.
But it was Redding’s remarkable 4-1 comeback from Swansea and solidified with an equalizer in the 95th minute, which ultimately was the result that left Derby in the relegation.
The Rams will return to level three for the first time since 1986, a level they have only played four seasons in their history.
It took a lot of effort in the face of the extreme difficulties of the Derby to try to maintain their status in the championship.
The deduction of 21 points for violating EFL rules and entering the administration is for them.
The loss of key players kidnapped by the helpless Rooney against his will made his task even more difficult, if at all possible.
QPR’s George Thomas fights with Lee Buchanan for control in the championship clash
Derby defender Curtis Davis needed medical attention, but was able to continue
Ongoing and long-term property problems have only added to the uncertainty.
Against this background, it was almost a miracle that Derby got this far, still with a chance to survive with four games left.
Hence the emotional scenes of a full-time job when the former England captain and his team went to thank their supporters.
Hence the resigned raising of eyebrows and shrugging when Rooney left the QPR field. It was just the result everyone expected.
This is proof for Rooney and his team that it took so long for those who wrote off the Derby many months ago to prove themselves right.
Rooney said, “I’m proud. Yes, we dropped out, but I’ve never seen a team drop out and the reaction of the fans is like that. I thought it was amazing. The support that the fans gave to the boys throughout the season, so yes, of course, disappointed, sad, upset, but proud.
Jason Knight reacts after being fouled from behind by QPR right-back Moses Odubaho
“I sympathize with the players. We took 52 points and we would be safe under normal circumstances. We paid the price for what the previous owner left behind. And I’m sure it’s a sad day for him too, because I know Mel [Morris] is a Derby fan. ‘
Rooney insisted before the match that he did not care about the result in the match of Reading and had no idea about the train, which took place at Madeisky Stadium until the last referee signal of QPR.
Despite all the distractions, Rooney’s laser focus has not shifted from Derby.
So he stayed until the bitter end and, as he did throughout the season, he also gave the club hope that he was ready to stay.
Mark Warburton’s QPR team retains faint hopes of reaching playoffs with victory
As US businessman Chris Kirchner prepares to complete his takeover, Rooney added: “In a sense, we can draw a line under everything that has happened and really start the rebirth of this club and try to move the club forward.
“We need the takeover to happen, and it needs to happen quickly. The sooner this can happen, the sooner we can start trying to develop the team, attract players and see if we can restore this club. If the takeover doesn’t happen, I’m really afraid for the club and where it will end.
“The future of the club is in doubt if that doesn’t happen. My future is in doubt if that doesn’t happen, so it should.
“If that happens, I want to be part of the club. This is a special club. We are all proud to be here and I want to be the one to try to bring back these happy days.
Rooney and his players applaud the support of the guests after hearing the news of his relegation
Derby will play in the third level of English football next season for the first time in 36 years
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