Queen's Park Rangers yesterday suspended their assistant manager Richard Hill until further notice, following his arrest over his part in the brawl that marred last week's match against China's Olympic team.

Hill was arrested on Saturday on charges of causing actual bodily harm (ABH), a serious offence carrying up to five years in prison.

The 43-year-old was released on bail pending further questions and possible charges when the police investigation concludes.

China player Zheng Tao was knocked unconscious with a broken jaw during the fracas, which resulted in the February 7 match being thrown out.

The incident is under investigation by English football's governing body, the Football Association, as well as local police.

In a statement on Tuesday, the police announced that they were "continuing to investigate a number of assaults following a disturbance amongst players at a match between QPR FC and the Chinese Olympic team.

Reports of the scene conveyed that on arrival, police discovered a 21-year-old man suffering facial injuries. He was conveyed to Hillingdon Hospital where he was treated for a broken jaw. He was later discharged.

"Subsequent investigation found a further two injured males: one with injuries amounting to ABH, the other suffering a fractured eye socket. All parties from both QPR and the Chinese team are assisting police."

Seven members of China's squad were sent home in disgrace following the clashes, which spread to involve over 30 players and coaches on both sides.

A statement from QPR read: "Following the incident at the training ground on February 7, and the subsequent police investigation of the matter, Queens Park Rangers Football Club have suspended assistant manager Richard Hill from his duties until further notice."

The club has refused any further comment pending the outcome of the FA and police inquiries.

The Chinese under-23 squad is currently in England as guests of Premiership champions Chelsea.

The Chinese FA has vowed to crack down on players seen as being at fault during the incident. The brawl caused widespread condemnation by the Chinese media and is seen as an embarrassment in the countdown to next year's Beijing Olympics.

The brawl erupted after striker Gao Lin, one of the seven players sent home, lashed out following a tough tackle from a QPR player. Gao apologized for his lack of control but insisted he had fallen prey to provocation.

(China Daily February 14, 2007)