FA agrees to no handshakes at QPR v Chelsea

LONDON (Reuters) -- The Football Association agreed that no handshakes would take place in the FA Cup fourth round tie between Queens Park Rangers and Chelsea on Saturday because of tensions regarding John Terry and Anton Ferdinand.

Chelsea and England captain Terry, who denies wrongdoing, has been charged with racially abusing QPR defender Ferdinand in a league game in October and Terry is due in court next week.

"Following discussions on Friday evening and Saturday morning involving senior officials from QPR, Chelsea and the FA, it has been agreed there will not be the usual team handshake before today's FA Cup fourth round tie at Loftus Road," a FA statement said.

"The FA agreed to the request by both clubs in an attempt to further diffuse tensions before the match."

Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas had said on Friday that the duo, who both started the game, should shake hands.