Djibril Cisse defends QPR in 2012 title debate

Djibril Cisse has responded angrily to Mike Dean after the former Premier League referee questioned Queens Park Rangers’ performance during Manchester City’s dramatic 2012 title triumph.

The 2011-12 campaign ended with one of English football’s most unforgettable finales. City appeared destined to miss out, but late goals from Edin Dzeko and Sergio Aguero secured a 3-2 victory over QPR and delivered the championship on goal difference, leaving Manchester United devastated.

A resurfaced video featuring Dean and former England striker Wayne Rooney has reopened discussion about the match. Because QPR already knew they had avoided relegation after results elsewhere, some observers have suggested the London side lacked the urgency needed to protect its lead.

QPR ended the 2011/12 season in 17th place with 37 points after 38 games. Manchester City won the title with 89 points after 38 games.

Cisse, who played for QPR that afternoon, strongly rejected that interpretation in a post on X. “I’m not gonna let you people talk shit like that! Let’s have a proper meeting and talk about it. Cause there is no way I’m gonna accept your bullshit anymore, so let’s do it,” he wrote.

His reaction has reignited debate over one of the Premier League’s most dramatic finishes. For Cisse, however, the accusation appears to cross a line and unfairly questions the commitment of players involved.