FORMER Burnley striker Charlie Austin felt his red card for QPR in their win over his former club was a harsh decision.

Austin, who earlier had scored Rangers’ second in the 2-0 win, was sent off after collecting a second yellow card for leading with an arm in a challenge against Clarets defender Michael Keane.

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The in-form striker will now be suspended for QPR’s trip to Everton a week today.

“I thought it was a bit harsh,” Austin said.

“I felt it was very harsh but there’s nothing I can do about that now.

“I want to play every game but in a strange sort of way a rest could do me some good.

“It’s only a one game ban which means I wont miss many matches and it gives me a break to get ready for the West Brom match in two weeks.

“I got an assist, a goal and then sent off but I’m still delighted. It’s not all about me though as the team got the three points which meant it was a six-point week which was exactly what we needed.”

Austin set up Leroy Fer’s opener before doubling the lead with his eighth goal of the season as QPR climbed above Burnley and out of the bottom three.

Austin added: “At 0-0 the game was open and it was probably the first time we’ve started the second half well with Leroy getting an important opener,” he said.

“Isla and Vargas have been different class this season and they played a great one-two in the build-up to my goal. That allowed me to drop off and suck them in to score.

“It was always going to be a tough season for us but to be out of the bottom three makes the table a lot better to look at now.

“We’ve just got to stay there now.”