JOHN TERRY was snubbed by QPR players yesterday – forcing the FA to take the unprecedented step of cancelling the pre-match handshakes.
Action was taken after Rangers players made it clear on Friday they would not greet the England captain ahead of kick-off, in support of Anton Ferdinand – Terry is charged with racially abusing the defender.
Mark Hughes then called for pre-match handshakes to be SCRAPPED.
The QPR manager saw his side knocked out of the FA Cup as a Juan Mata penalty was enough to see Chelsea through to the next round.
But it was the scrapping of the Respect handshakes before kick-off at Loftus Road that caused the biggest stir as Rangers players made it clear they did not want to greet Chelsea skipper John Terry.
After learning of the ill-feeling in the QPR camp, the FA cancelled the formal handshakes — less than an hour before kick-off.
Hughes, who has avoided shaking hands with fellow managers, believes there is no longer any need for the ritual.
He said: “It was absolutely correct to cancel these handshakes.
“There was so much tension hinging on such a brief moment, it was clouding the issue: the FA Cup tie. The fact we took it out of the equation was the right thing to do.
“There were discussions yesterday. We had a meeting of management and players last night. Chelsea had their views and we came to the same decision.
“It could have been an issue. Players have to make their own decision. Anton had to make his own decision whether to shake JT’s hand.
“Why give handshakes if they’re not done with integrity? I have a history with handshakes.
“If they’re not right, why do them at all? They’re an irritation. I don’t know why people think it’s vitally important.
Reaction
“Why not do it like in the good old days when the captains just greet in the centre circle.”
Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas agreed with the FA’s late decision but believes the Respect greeting should not be scrapped.
He said: “It was a wise decision today. There was a lot of expectancy towards what would happen on the handshake’’
QPR skipper Joey Barton did shake Terry’s hand, however, but only as part of the pre-game coin toss routine. No arrests were made at yesterday’s match as police increased security. And on the pitch Terry, who was taunted and booed throughout by QPR fans, produced a good display.
Villas-Boas said: “It was an excellent performance from John. He managed to get the off-the-field events out of his mind and concentrate on the game.”
Ferdinand was undeterred by the intense atmosphere too, and Hughes added: “John’s a big figure in the game and I’m sure he gets booed at every away ground. Headlines don’t affect JT. That was the same today.
“Anton conducted himself really well, not only this week but for a number of weeks. It was difficult because the focus was all on him, but he put in a tremendous performance. If I’d had any doubts, I wouldn’t have picked him.”
Mark Hughes then called for pre-match handshakes to be SCRAPPED.
The QPR manager saw his side knocked out of the FA Cup as a Juan Mata penalty was enough to see Chelsea through to the next round.
But it was the scrapping of the Respect handshakes before kick-off at Loftus Road that caused the biggest stir as Rangers players made it clear they did not want to greet Chelsea skipper John Terry.
After learning of the ill-feeling in the QPR camp, the FA cancelled the formal handshakes — less than an hour before kick-off.
Hughes, who has avoided shaking hands with fellow managers, believes there is no longer any need for the ritual.
He said: “It was absolutely correct to cancel these handshakes.
“There was so much tension hinging on such a brief moment, it was clouding the issue: the FA Cup tie. The fact we took it out of the equation was the right thing to do.
“There were discussions yesterday. We had a meeting of management and players last night. Chelsea had their views and we came to the same decision.
“It could have been an issue. Players have to make their own decision. Anton had to make his own decision whether to shake JT’s hand.
“Why give handshakes if they’re not done with integrity? I have a history with handshakes.
“If they’re not right, why do them at all? They’re an irritation. I don’t know why people think it’s vitally important.
Reaction
“Why not do it like in the good old days when the captains just greet in the centre circle.”
Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas agreed with the FA’s late decision but believes the Respect greeting should not be scrapped.
He said: “It was a wise decision today. There was a lot of expectancy towards what would happen on the handshake’’
QPR skipper Joey Barton did shake Terry’s hand, however, but only as part of the pre-game coin toss routine. No arrests were made at yesterday’s match as police increased security. And on the pitch Terry, who was taunted and booed throughout by QPR fans, produced a good display.
Villas-Boas said: “It was an excellent performance from John. He managed to get the off-the-field events out of his mind and concentrate on the game.”
Ferdinand was undeterred by the intense atmosphere too, and Hughes added: “John’s a big figure in the game and I’m sure he gets booed at every away ground. Headlines don’t affect JT. That was the same today.
“Anton conducted himself really well, not only this week but for a number of weeks. It was difficult because the focus was all on him, but he put in a tremendous performance. If I’d had any doubts, I wouldn’t have picked him.”
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