Team handshakes to go ahead in QPR-Chelsea match

Terry, the Chelsea and England defender, was cleared in court in July of racially abusing Ferdinand in the corresponding league match at Loftus Road last year.

The buildup to the latest derby between the west London rivals has been dominated by question marks over whether Ferdinand and his teammates will snub Terry in the traditional pre-match ritual.

However, following talks with QPR and Chelsea, the Premier League released a statement on Friday saying: "All parties understand and acknowledge that the pre-match handshake will go ahead as part of the normal pre-match activity."

Chelsea manager Roberto Di Matteo said his team would adhere to the protocol to "set a positive standard to the millions of people watching across the world."

The comments of QPR manager Mark Hughes were ambiguous.

Hughes said his players will follow the orders of the Premier League if instructed — but then added that he wasn't going to force Ferdinand or his teammates to shake hands with Terry.

"Everybody has a mind of their own and will make a personal decision," Hughes said.