Anton Ferdinand has been spared having to shake John Terry’s hand before QPR’s FA Cup clash with Chelsea.
The Football Association gave the clubs permission not to take part in the traditional pre-match handshake, amid uncertainty as to whether Rangers defender Ferdinand would snub Terry.
Today is the first time the two sides have met since Terry was charged with racially abusing Ferdinand during October`s Premier League game between the two.
Terry has denied the offence and Ferdinand was reportedly agonising over whether or not to accept his hand.
The FA released a statement to Press Association Sport, which read: “Following discussions on Friday evening and Saturday morning involving senior officials from QPR, Chelsea and the FA, it has been agreed there will not be the usual team handshake before today’s FA Cup fourth-round tie at Loftus Road.
“The FA agreed to the request by both clubs in an attempt to further defuse tensions before the match.”