FA tell Liverpool and United: Cool it!

FA chiefs will contact both Liverpool and Manchester United to try to ensure tensions do not boil over in their FA Cup fourth round clash.

Within hours of the draw pairing the two north-west rivals at the end of the month, the Wembley machine cranked into gear.

The Mirror understands letters were written by the FA to both clubs to urge calmness ahead of a match that is certain to be played out to the backdrop of the Luis Suarez-Patrice Evra racism row.

With Liverpool still angry at the eight-match ban handed out to Suarez - the suspension includes the Anfield clash - and United equally determined to stand behind Evra, whose version of events was upheld by the Independent Regulatory Commission, FA bosses are aware of the potential tinderbox.

The FA have been hugely impressed by Liverpool’s prompt and determined response to the ugly incidents on Friday night, when Oldham defender Tom Adeyemi was on the receiving end of alleged racist abuse by one fan on the Kop.

But with the governing body aware of the damage done to the game by the Suarez affair - and the on-going criminal case over John Terry’s alleged racial abuse of QPR’s Anton Ferdinand - FA officials will be in further regular contact with both clubs.

Anfield chief executive Ian Ayre admitted the pairing was received with shock and some dismay at Liverpool, but he also urged fans to understand it is one of the most glamorous - and most scrutinised - encounters in world football.

Ayre is determined to ensure the tie will pass without incident, and he said: “I think there were definitely a few raised eyebrows from everyone after that draw!

“Liverpool v Man United is probably the best fixture in the world and the FA Cup is one of the best competitions in the world, so it’s a great match up.

“With all that’s gone on, people will talk about it and talk about it but I think the most important thing for us is to make sure that we make it a great day and a great game.

“We need to make sure that we all work together to make sure that everybody concentrates on the excitement of the football and the F.A. Cup and not on anything else. We are certainly committed to that.”

It is expected that Liverpool and United will both be urged to ensure their players and staff show calmness and think about any public comments made ahead of the game at the end of the month for fear of potentially antagonising what will in any event be a powder-keg situation.

One FA insider said: “Nobody needs to be told about the rivalry between the two clubs or reminded about what has happened in the last few weeks.

“The last thing anybody would would to see is a situation that inflames the tensions and anything the clubs can do to ensure the game is played in the right atmosphere will be welcomed. We’re sure Liverpool and United will feel the same way.”

Liverpool will urge their fans to respect their opponents for the tie, and hope to avoid any focus on visiting defender Evra, who made the initial allegation that led to an eight match ban for racist abuse from Suarez.

The club has already apologised for the actions of “one individual” who gave Reds fans a bad name in the Adeyemi incident.

On Monday, Ayre reiterated the club’s commitment to anti-racism initiatives, and also made clear their commitment to taking the strongest possible action against any unacceptable behaviour.

“We think it is important, with what went on at the game on Friday and what’s gone on over the last few months, to just reiterate the club’s stance, generally, on racism and on any form of discrimination,” he explained.

“We have been very outspoken and very involved in this type of issue in the past and we have some fantastic people who work every day on those types of programmes.”