Fer opened the scoring at the Stadium of Light to help the Londoners record their first away victory in the Premier League in almost two years.

However, the Dutch international sustained a potentially serious knee injury following a second-half challenge with Liam Bridcutt and was carried from the field on a stretcher.

After the game he took to Twitter saying: “Well done lads! Hopefully my injury is not too bad.”

In response, QPR owner Tony Fernandes replied: “Thoughts go to Leroy Fer. Team player and gentleman.”