Junior Hoilett's deflected goal for the hosts in the second minute was canceled out in the 33rd when Sylvain Distin's header bounced off the post, hit QPR goalkeeper Julio Cesar and rebounded into the net — going down as an own goal against the Brazilian.
Steven Pienaar was dismissed in the 61st after picking up a second booking for clipping the heels of Jose Bosingwa but QPR couldn't capitalize.
Indeed, the visitors, who stay fourth in the standings, came closest to grabbing a winner when Phil Jagielka headed against the crossbar in the first half.