Police investigate bullet sent to Anton Ferdinand

Metropolitan Police are investigating a suspicious letter sent to Queens Park Rangers’ training ground.

Although the police would not reveal the letter’s contents or the intended recipient, the Fulham Chronicle are suggesting the envelope was addressed to Anton Ferdinand and contained a bullet.

The news came the day before QPR host Chelsea in the much talked about FA Cup tie at Loftus Road.  Which was the first time the clubs  faced each other since the fractious West London derby on October 23rd after which John Terry was charged with racially abusing Ferdinand.

“We are investigating an allegation of malicious communication received today at QPR FC,” police said.

QPR and Chelsea released a joint statement on Friday evening announcing that “full searches” would be carried out as spectators arrived for the match which kicks off at 1200 GMT.

“We would like to advise supporters from both QPR and Chelsea to arrive early at the stadium,” the statement said.

“Full searches will be carried out ahead of your entry to the ground, so please have your tickets to hand and be ready to be searched. Entry to the stadium will be permitted from 10.30am for the midday kick-off.

“We are asking for your full understanding and co-operation.”

Paul Finney from the Independent Rs QPR website told BBC Radio 5 live he was “surprised, shocked and disappointed” by the “malicious communication” allegation.

“These guys have got families and he (Ferdinand) doesn’t want to go on to a football field tomorrow fearing for his safety,” he said.

“I cannot understand anyone who would do such an act. Anton Ferdinand will need the support of everyone in the ground tomorrow. Football has to win tomorrow.”

John Terry faces a hearing on Wednesday at Westminster Magistrates Court on a racially aggravated public order offence, despite the Chelsea and England captain strenuously denying the charge.

Ferdinand has already been subjected to threats and abuse in the mail, and has reportedly been hiring security staff at a cost of £30,000 to protect both himself and his family ahead of tomorrow’s game.

With Ferdinand and Terry set to feature, both clubs have called for calm before and during the game, and have promised to stamp out the first sign of trouble either verbally or otherwise that might add to the tension.

Earlier, it was revealed that defender Ferdinand was considering refusing to shake hands with Terry before the fourth-round tie although advisors and QPR officials have told Ferdinand that shaking hands with Terry would be the best course of action.

Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas said earlier on Friday that it was “extremely important” that Ferdinand shakes Terry’s hand.

“This game is based on good values more than anything else,” he said. “These players should continue to promote these good values.”

However, QPR boss Mark Hughes said he would not force Ferdinand into shaking Terry’s hand.

“If he feels it is not appropriate – that has to be his own decision,” he said. “It won’t be influenced by myself or the club.”

Posted by MarkG on January 30, 2012. Filed under Chelsea, FA Barclays Premiership, QPR. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. Both comments and pings are currently closed.