Chelsea Release Joint Statement With QPR Ahead Of FA Cup Tie

Chelsea chairmen Bruce Buck and QPR chairmen Tony Fernandes have released a joint statement ahead of this weekends FA Cup tie at Loftus Road.

The West London rivals meet this weekend and it will be the first time John Terry and Anton Ferdinand have met following the alleged racist remarks aimed at the QPR defender by the Chelsea captain last October. Terry will face criminal charges for the incident and will go before the courts later this year (source: BBC)

Reports in recent days have suggested that Ferdinand will refuse to shake hands with Terry (source: ESPN) and there are fears the animosity could result in both sets of fans aiming abuse at the two players during the game.

However, the two clubs have taken the step to release a joint statement warning fans over their behaviour, insisting any abuse or discriminatory language used will be punished. The statement on Chelsea.com reads:

‘We have discussed the issues surrounding this weekend’s FA Cup fourth-round tie at Loftus Road and we are both in total agreement that abuse and discrimination has no place in football or society.

‘Both clubs enjoy fantastic support. However, we would remind fans that while we want to hear their passion, it’s a fact that hatred and abuse is not what being a fan of Chelsea or QPR is about.

‘The clubs will work together with the police to ensure that anyone using discriminatory or inflammatory language is identified and that the strongest possible action is taken against them.

‘We would urge fans witnessing any form of abuse to report it to a matchday steward or text confidentially on 07557 435421.
‘Let’s make Saturday’s match a celebration of football.

‘A local derby is always a special occasion and this weekend’s FA Cup tie is a unique opportunity to show the world that hatred has no place in our game, our clubs, or our communities.’