Premier League says Chelsea and QPR must shake

Published on 15/09/2012 01:54

THE Premier League has ruled that the pre-match handshake before Queens Park Rangers’ clash with Chelsea at Loftus Road today must take place.

Anton Ferdinand and John Terry will meet for the first time since the Chelsea captain’s race trial in July. Terry was found not guilty of using a racial slur against Ferdinand in the corresponding fixture last October, but remains the subject of a Football Association investigation over charges that he denies.

QPR manager Mark Hughes revealed yesterday that they were awaiting guidance from the Premier League, who have confirmed it must go ahead.

“There has been dialogue between the Premier League, Queens Park Rangers and Chelsea in relation to tomorrow’s match between the two clubs,” read a statement released by the Premier League. “All parties understand and acknowledge that the pre-match handshake will go ahead as part of the normal pre-match activity.”

Hughes, exasperated by the issue, said: “There’s a lot of debate every time we have a game against Chelsea. I’ve got my own views on the handshake and I raised those at Premier League level even before this season started. I don’t want to go into that.”

Ferdinand is reported to also be considering snubbing Ashley Cole after the Chelsea left-back testified as a character witness for Terry.