Manchester United were handed a potentially
explosive FA Cup fourth-round tie at Liverpool.
The two clubs have been in open conflict since Liverpool
striker Luis Suarez was banned for eight matches for racially
abusing United captain Patrice Evra.
And, in another remarkable twist, if QPR beat MK Dons in a
third-round replay, they must face Chelsea for the first time since
John Terry was accused of racially abusing Rangers defender Anton
Ferdinand last October.
Although Suarez will still be suspended for the tie at
Anfield on the weekend of January 28 and 29, United legend Paddy
Crerand fears the worst.
He said: ‘This is a dreadful draw - the last things the
two clubs need. It will be a really nasty atmosphere. It will be a
new level, beyond what we have seen before.
‘I love Kenny Dalglish but he has not handled this
situation as well as he should have. He was raised in Glasgow among
all that bigotry and he should have known better than to let
Liverpool deal with this situation the way they have.
‘Liverpool are a great club, a really great club and their
supporters are good, working-class people. But they will surely
look back at this episode one day and realise it was wrong. I can’t
even look forward to this game. It’s too soon. Feelings will still
be running too high.
‘If people thought the tension and spite between City and
United fans was bad this weekend then they haven’t seen anything
yet.’
The two sides will face each other again in the Premier
League at Old Trafford two weeks later when Suarez will be
available.
Former Liverpool captain Phil Thompson urged the two clubs
to show respect to each other, adding: ‘I actually think it is good
to get it out of the way before Liverpool’s trip to Old Trafford on
February 11.’
Terry’s return to Loftus Road would be particularly badly
timed. He is facing a criminal charge of using racist language
towards Ferdinand, an accusation he strongly denies. The case is
due to open on February 1, just days after the game.
West Brom host Norwich and Everton welcome Fulham to
Goodison Park.
United we stand: The Red side of Manchester were the
ones left celebrating on third round weekend
Arsenal will be at home to Aston Villa if they can
overcome Leeds at the Emirates Stadium, while Bolton will take on
Swansea at the Reebok Stadium if they see off Macclesfield in a
replay.
Tottenham, who last won the FA Cup 21 years ago, will play
Watford at Vicarage Road.
Sunderland's reward for beating Peterborough is a home
draw against local rivals Middlesbrough, while Newcastle will face
the winner of the replay between Wrexham and Brighton.
Black Cats manager Martin O'Neill, reacting to the draw,
said: 'It's a tough one but we're at home anyway. I wonder what
(former Middlesbrough midfielder) Lee Cattermole thinks of
it.
'It will mean something to the supporters who have stayed
on here and cheered us off and maybe Lee himself.'
Heading through: Sunderland beat Peterborough on Sunday
and now take on Middlesbrough in the fourth round