QPR 0-0 Sunderland: Bellingham sent off as leaders Sunderland are held

Marti Cifuentes’ side went into the game buoyed by the result at Turf Moor and had the better of the opening exchanges as a Paul Smyth cross found Zan Celar in front of goal, but the Slovenian got his feet in a tangle as he sought to turn it home.

Headers from Steve Cook and Jimmy Dunne also threatened to break through a Sunderland side which has the best away record in the division.

The Wearsiders had their own moments in the opening 45 minutes, as Wilson Isidor – in fine goalscoring form with four in his last six games going into the match – burst on to a cute Trai Hume pass but hurried his shot and dragged it wide.

A training-ground corner also nearly broke the stubborn QPR resistance, as Luke O’Nien, stationed beyond the far post, cleverly cushioned a header from Patrick Roberts’ deep flag kick and Neil’s shot cannoned off the upright, with Isidor unable to get his rebound shot on target.

The game turned on Bellingham’s poor challenge, on the halfway line, as he planted his studs in Celar’s shin. The 19-year-old instantly recognised his error with an upraised hand of apology, but ref Toner deemed it violent.

Bellingham could now miss Sunderland’s trips to Preston and Millwall, and the home game against Coventry in between, if given a three-game ban.

Rangers pressed forward, sensing a chance to register only their second league win of the season, and their first at home since April, but could find no way through.

Celar went closest, carving in from the left flank to curl a shot just wide of the far post, while Dunne headed another big chance straight at keeper Simon Moore.