By Andrew Warshaw
September 18 – English football needs to move on from the handshake row that has marred the domestic game, according to Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) chief Gordon Taylor.
Queen’s Park Rangers (QPR) defender Anton Ferdinand (pictured top, left) – as well as QPR captain Ji-Sung Park – both refused to shake the hand of Chelsea’s John Terry (pictured top, right) before the teams’ Premier League match on Saturday (September 15) following allegations of racist comments by Terry to Ferdinand in the corresponding fixture last season.
Terry was cleared by the courts in July of any offence but still faces a Football Association (FA) charge over similar claims – which he vehemently denies.
“We have to move on,” said Taylor.
“These things will separate us and become like some mafia feud.”
The practice of opposing teams shaking hands before – rather than after – matches was introduced in the 2008-2009 season as part of English football’s Respect campaign but has increasingly caused more problems than it solves.
In February 2010, Manchester City left-back Wayne Bridge refused the hand of Terry, his former England and Chelsea teammate, following allegations of an affair between Terry and Bridge’s ex-girlfriend.
Two years later, Liverpool striker Luis Suárez (pictured below, left) turned away from Patrice Evra (pictured below, right) before the league clash between Manchester United and Liverpool.
Suárez had served an eight-match ban for racially abusing the French left-back.
But Taylor believes the pre-match handshakes should remain.
“Owners, managers, chief executives and players said ‘yes’ [to the idea] and I do not know why we should say ‘no’ now,” he told the BBC.
“I would like to say to the players that I see no reason why they cannot do it.
“They are not betraying any personal principles.
“It is being done for the image of the game and to set the right example to the mascots and youngsters playing at school.”
Contact the writer of this story at zib.l1734851466labto1734851466ofdlr1734851466owedi1734851466sni@w1734851466ahsra1734851466w.wer1734851466dna1734851466