The Premier League has today confirmed that Queens Park Rangers and Chelsea will do the normal pre-match ritual by shaking hands before kick-off.
There was a lot of speculation that the pre-match handshake may be scrapped because of the conflict between Anton Ferdinand and John Terry.
The two defenders came to blows in last season’s fixture and from the game came allegations that John Terry racially abused Ferdinand during the game. Terry was later found not-guilty.
More sparks were added to the fire when Anton Ferdinand came out and said he wouldn’t shake hands with another Chelsea player, Ashley Cole, because he believes that Ashley went behind his back by supporting Terry in court.
Today the Premier League made the following statement:
“There has been dialogue between the Premier League, Queens Park Rangersand Chelsea in relation to tomorrow’s match between the two clubs.
“All parties understand and acknowledge the pre-match handshake will go ahead as part of the normal pre-match activities.”
So it has been confirmed that the handshakes will go ahead as normal, but it is yet to be clear whether Anton Ferdinand will shake hands with John Terry or Ashley Cole.
Alex William Batt
