---
title: "QPR blow confirmed before West Ham trip"
canonical: "https://readwestham.com/2026/09/23/qpr-dennis-cirkin-suspension-west-ham/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "James Chettle"
section: "West Ham News"
published: "2026-09-23T08:49:44Z"
modified: "2026-09-23T08:49:52Z"
---

# QPR blow confirmed before West Ham trip

Queens Park Rangers will be without Dennis Cirkin when they face West Ham United after an appeal against the defender’s red card was rejected.

Cirkin was dismissed after only 15 minutes of QPR’s 2-2 Championship draw with Preston North End on Saturday.

Rangers challenged the decision because they believed the left-back had won the ball during his challenge on Leo Leroy.

However, [West London Sport reports](https://www.westlondonsport.com/qpr/qprs-appeal-against-cirkin-red-card-rejected) that QPR’s appeal has been unsuccessful.

Cirkin will therefore miss the trip to London Stadium following the international break.

## Cirkin ruled out against West Ham

QPR initially struggled after going down to ten men against Preston.

They fell 2-0 behind before Kwame Poku reduced the deficit and Paul Smyth scored a 90th-minute equaliser.

Cirkin’s suspension now gives head coach Julien Stéphan a selection problem ahead of West Ham.

The Championship fixture takes place on Friday 9 October at 8pm BST, with supporters able to find the full broadcast information in our [West Ham vs QPR TV and live stream guide](https://readwestham.com/2026/09/23/west-ham-qpr-tv-channel-live-stream/).

West Ham will also be missing a player through suspension.

Mohamadou Kanté is unavailable after his late dismissal during the 2-2 draw at Millwall.

Our [Kanté suspension breakdown](https://readwestham.com/2026/09/21/mohamadou-kante-red-card-millwall-suspension-2/) explains why the midfielder will miss QPR but can return for the subsequent trip to Lincoln City.

## Nuno preparing for Championship return

West Ham have almost three weeks between the Millwall draw and QPR’s visit.

That gives Nuno Espírito Santo significant preparation time before the promotion campaign resumes.

The QPR game begins another important run, with our [West Ham next five fixtures](https://readwestham.com/2026/09/21/west-ham-next-five-fixtures/) also including trips to Lincoln and Championship leaders Swansea City.

Cirkin’s absence is therefore an early boost for Nuno as both managers begin planning for the return of club football.