SOCCER:ANTON FERDINAND was the target of a death threat on the eve of today's potentially explosive west London derby against Chelsea. Hammersmith and Fulham police are investigating a letter which was received by Queens Park Rangers and is understood to have been addressed to the defender. Reports that the package contained a bullet, or similar, have not been confirmed by the club or police.
The build-up to the FA Cup fourth-round tie this lunchtime has been dominated by the first meeting of Ferdinand and John Terry on the pitch since the England captain was charged with a racially-aggravated public order offence relating to an altercation with the QPR defender during the fractious league meeting at Loftus Road in October.
Terry’s case is due to be heard at Westminster magistrates court on Wednesday, though he will not be in attendance, with his legal team to enter a not guilty plea on his behalf.
It is not clear whether Ferdinand was made immediately aware of the letter but a Metropolitan police spokesman said: “I can confirm we are investigating an allegation of malicious communication received today at Queens Park Rangers football club.”
Confirmation of the threat will dismay both clubs, who had been hoping to ease the tension ahead of the tie. The two chairmen issued a joint statement this week appealing for calm.
Immediately before kick-off the focus will inevitably be drawn to whether Ferdinand will accept Terry’s offer of a handshake though it is understood Ferdinand is minded not to do so.
QPR officials have spoken to their player and suggested shaking hands may help defuse what is expected to be a tense occasion but the centre-half is concerned it may appear hypocritical to make the gesture given the gravity of the charges faced by Terry.
“It is extremely important (they shake hands),” said Andre Villas-Boas, the Chelsea manager. Firstly, it’s a question of respect for the opponent and everybody should do it. When it reaches that moment, the players should set out an example and do it . . . This game is based on good values more than anything else.”
QPR manager Mark Hughes has insisted the decision should rest with Ferdinand alone and with his squad severely depleted by injury, has no qualms about selecting the player.
“It could change from one day to the next – Anton could wake up in the morning, think: ‘What’s the big deal?’ and shake hands,” Hughes said. “Or he might feel strongly about it and decide he definitely won’t. I don’t know if he will shake hands. I’m not Anton.
“I like to think I can judge if a player is ready to play on a Saturday and he’s given me no sign that anything is weighing heavily on him. He wants to play and his team-mates want him to play. He’ll get support from them and from me so that will be enough and, obviously, our fans will back him wholeheartedly.”
Terry will face a hostile reception from home fans but Chelsea’s manager is confident he will thrive in the atmosphere. “Top players have this ability, to concentrate fully on the task they have in a game,” said Villas-Boas.
“I have no doubts about him. John is one of the greatest central defenders in the world, maybe one of the best ever. All these players went through performances in their lives that make them ready to play in any circumstance, but Chelsea players get stick from every opposition crowd.”
Chelsea are still in talks with Genk in an effort to secure Kevin De Bruyne, who would stay in Belgium on loan until the summer. The youngster is considered a “club signing” rather than the manager’s target. “He’s a good bet for the future, a player the club have scouted for some time, and I’m a manager who respects club policy,” added Villas-Boas.
