Racism row forms backdrop for clash of the round at Anfield

IT should be about the football, the meeting of the two giants of the game and the joy of the FA Cup but as soon as Liverpool’s name was drawn out of the hat alongside Manchester United one topic dominated — racism.

Prepare to hear a lot more about the story that refuses to go away as Patrice Evra prepares to return to Anfield, the scene which ignited his allegation that Luis Suarez racially abused him. Suarez will miss the match as he is currently serving an eight-game ban during the draw at Anfield in October — a ruling that sparked a furious reaction from Liverpool.

The tie will be the first match between the two clubs since that controversial clash and offers Liverpool the chance for revenge after United knocked them out of the competition last season.

“Liverpool away...what a tie! Great game for the #FaCup + our fans! Let’s av iiiiiit! Roll on the 4th round,” United’s Rio Ferdinand wrote on Twitter.

United’s former Liverpool striker Michael Owen added: “And people talk about United always getting lucky cup draws!!! “Couldn’t get much tougher. What a game to look forward to,” said Owen.

Liverpool midfielder Charlie Adam tweeted: “Great draw man united a home that’s the FA cup.”

The tie was not the only one with a controversial background as Chelsea and John Terry will return to Loftus Road if Queens Park Rangers beat Milton Keynes Dons in their third round replay.

Chelsea and England captain John Terry is facing criminal charges for racially abusing QPR defender Anton Ferdinand from a match played at the west London venue in October.