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Harry Redknapp has launched an extraordinary rant against his QPR star Adel Taarabt, claiming he cannot "protect people who are about three stone overweight".
A furious Redknapp snapped when quizzed on Morocco forward Taarabt's injury status after QPR's gut-wrenching 3-2 home defeat to Liverpool.
The Rangers boss paused in his post-match press conference to thump an advertising board that had been squeaking against his chair, exclaiming "that f***ing thing", before laying into Taarabt.
Redknapp challenged Taarabt to prove he has the work ethic to deserve his "60 to 70 grand a week" wages.
"No, he's not fit: he's not fit to play football, unfortunately," said Redknapp of the 25-year-old, who has only featured three times this season due to persistent ankle problems.
"He played in a reserve team game the other day, and I could have run about more than he did.
"So no, I can't pick him.
"I pick people that want to try, and deserve to be at a good football club like QPR, and want to work, and come in every day and want to work, and train, and show a good attitude.
QPR v Liverpool: Player Ratings
"And that's what I got today from the players.
"When he starts doing that, whether he ever can do it, maybe he'll get a game.
"The other lads, I've got a fantastic group of lads here, absolutely superb, all of them.
"I can't keep protecting people who don't want to run about and train, who are about three stone overweight.
"What am I supposed to keep saying, keep getting your 60, 70 grand a week but don't train?
"What's the game coming to?
"The others are as good as gold."
