MANCHESTER United goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel and Arsenal striker Ian Wright were urged to end their bitter dispute publicly by English FA chief executive Graham Kelly yesterday.
Kelly's plea, in an open letter to both players, came on the day Britain's Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) decided Schmeichel would not face charges over allegations he racially abused black striker Wright.
"There is insufficient evidence to support criminal changes", a CPS spokesman said.
Schmeichel was the subject of a police investigation following allegations by television viewers that he shouted racist abuse at Wright during a premier league clash at Old Trafford on November 16th.
Animosity between the two players resurfaced in a match at Highbury last month when Wright escaped being sent off following a two-footed challenge on the Danish goalkeeper.
As the players left the pitch at the end of the Highbury match Wright had to be restrained by stewards as he tried to confront Schmeichel. Police intervened to keep the two apart.
Kelly wrote in his letter to Schmeichel: "I have to decide what is best for English football. I have to be aware that both you and Ian Wright are public figures, idolised by millions of football fans at home and abroad. Your example is vitally important.
"That is why I ask you, in the interests of the game as a whole, to make a public statement of reconciliation with Ian Wright as soon as possible. In doing so you can be a power for bringing thee game together, not dividing it."
