Morrison, Brevett in club bar bust-up

TWELVE stewards had to rush into the players’ bar at Loftus Road on Sunday to defuse a bust-up between Fulham and Birmingham players that involved Irish international Clinton Morrison’s mum Angela.

Fulham will not hold an inquiry into the fight after the bad-tempered 1-0 home defeat and club officials, who are not commenting publicly, were indicating the stewards' reaction was over the top.

But friends and family of Birmingham striker Morrison were appalled by the behaviour of Fulham defender Rufus Brevett who, it was claimed, tried to continue their on-field feud in the bar.

They had been arguing as they walked off at the final whistle and there were more angry words in the tunnel.

Brevett got changed and is thought to have waited near the tunnel area for Morrison for more than 15 minutes.

Security staff sensed trouble and were trying to keep a close watch on Brevett. He is then alleged to have sought out Morrison in the players' lounge where an expletive-filled row erupted.

Angela Morrison was heard screaming that Brevett wanted to fight her 23-year-old son and that he had an argument with her daughter when he could not find the forward.

Several other players were then thought to have intervened before stewards arrived after Morrison appeared and verbally abused the Fulham full-back.

The trouble followed a heated game in which Birmingham's Darren Purse was sent off on 70 minutes for two cautions and nine others were booked.

The previous meeting a goalless draw last month ended with Fulham playing with nine men after Steve Marlet was sent off for kicking out at Robbie Savage and Brevett was red-carded for handling the ball on his goal-line.

Wales midfielder Savage and Brevett had an over-competitive tussle yesterday but Brevett's row with Morrison appeared to be more verbal than physical.

And the official reaction from the London club made it plain that they, at least, consider the matter closed.

Fulham spokeswoman Sarah Brookes claimed: "There was no incident between Brevett and Morrison end of story. We have nothing else to report."

However Birmingham City representative Sean Connor, while attempting to play down the incident, implied something had taken place between the pair.

"It was just a storm in a teacup," he said.

"Both clubs are happy to forget about it now, and wish each other all the best for the rest of the season."

Fulham assistant manager Christian Damiano was prepared to admit, though, that Brevett had lost his cool somewhat on the pitch.

He said: "It's frustrating when the game keeps stopping.

"Sometimes it's difficult to keep your focus and it was like that for Rufus."

One participant who can seldom be accused of playing things down is Savage, and even before the post-match bust-up he said: "This really sets us up for the FA Cup third round tie next month. It will be very interesting now.

"Birmingham versus Fulham is becoming a real battle. Tempers were flying high, it was slippery underfoot, and there were a few yellow cards if barely a malicious tackle."