Soccer/Premiership: Everton will draft in extra security for their FA Cup fifth-round tie with Manchester United which will potentially see Wayne Rooney return to Goodison Park for the first time since his acrimonious £27 million transfer last August.
The Merseysiders will station extra stewards around the perimeter of the pitch in an attempt to prevent supporters invading the playing area. The 19-year-old's departure to Old Trafford prompted a furious reaction with Rooney, who had expected to return first for a league game on April 20th, braced for a bitter reception.
Manchester United boss Alex Ferguson last night urged Everton supporters to go easy on Rooney: "The obvious focus will be on Wayne Rooney so it's a big test for him. But people must remember he's been an Everton fan all his life and I hope there's been some space between Wayne's move and now, and I hope there's a calm between the fans."
His sentiments were echoed by Everton chief executive Keith Wyness: "We are aware emotions could run high, but I'm convinced that Evertonians will conduct themselves in the proper fashion. We will be making sure certain measures are in place, though, to cover any eventuality."
Everton are due £150,000 as part of the Rooney deal should United win the Cup over the course of the striker's contract, though any fears of a conflict of interest have been dispelled given that they would stand to earn considerably more should they squeeze beyond the holders into the quarter-finals.
"Hopefully, everyone doesn't get too carried away with the Wayne issue close to the game," said the Everton captain Alan Stubbs.
"I'd like to think Everton have moved on, and Wayne Rooney has certainly moved on. I'll have to see if I can get close to him and see if I can kick him."
United are keen to have the game played on Saturday, February 19th, with their Champions League game against AC Milan at Old Trafford scheduled for the following Wednesday night. The BBC is understood to want to televise the match in its early-evening slot, though Merseyside police may favour a kick-off time nearer mid-day for safety reasons.
Similar fears will surround the traditionally explosive derby between Burnley and Blackburn, who were paired by yesterday's draw. The two clubs are eight miles apart and have played each other only twice - in the 2000-01 season - in the 22 years since visiting Burnley fans rioted in Ewood Park's Darwen End during a 2-1 defeat. Indeed, there are reports of terrace trouble in this fixture as far back as the 1880s.
Chelsea will need to overcome Newcastle at St James' Park - a task they achieved in the League Cup earlier this season - to maintain their challenge for an unprecedented quadruple.
Gary Megson will return to West Bromwich with Nottingham Forest if his old club overcome Tottenham in their replay at White Hart Lane. The winners of the replay between Brentford and Hartlepool go to Southampton.
Guardian Service
