Boa Morte told to do talking on pitch

Fulham have gagged the Luis Boa Morte camp in a bid to prevent further revelations over the racism row which has transformed tonight’s FA Cup showdown with Everton into a potential powderkeg encounter.

The Portuguese international has accused Duncan Ferguson of racially abusing him during the 1-1 fourth-round draw at Goodison Park.

Cottagers boss Chris Coleman is angry Boa Morte went public with his claim and fears fireworks when the feuding players square up again in the replay at Loftus Road tonight.

So, in an attempt to prevent any more comments emerging from the Boa Morte camp, Fulham have slapped an interview ban on the striker’s representatives.

The 26-year-old’s agent Amadeu Paixco told the Press Association: “Fulham have asked us to say nothing more about the matter until after the game.”

Coleman, whose side will face a home fifth-round tie against First Division West Ham if they beat Everton, said: “Luis went public because he’s an emotional kind of guy and was so incensed by the incident.

“But he was badly advised to go public as we wanted to go down the correct channels, as we are now doing.

“We’ve been talking to the FA for a few days and are trying to find out exactly who heard what, when and why.

“I’m not going to comment about an Everton player and I can only go on what my own players tell me. We’ll take our case to the FA and then they’ll deal with it. They’re eager to deal with it urgently and so are we.

“And until the FA or the club come to a decision, that’s all I can say.”

Fulham are still questioning their players to compile evidence about the incident – and have yet to make a formal complaint despite 10 days elapsing since the fixture.

That delay prompted the Football Association to write to Boa Morte demanding to hear his side of the story.

An FA spokesman said: “We have formally written to Luis Boa Morte requesting a full investigation of these allegations.”

Coleman pleaded with his players not to allow the Boa Morte-Ferguson bust-up to ignite the FA Cup crunch and spark a mass brawl.

Ferguson is expected to play and Coleman, asked if his winger would be rested, revealed: “No. It is more than likely he will play.

“There are a few dodgy tackles in every game but what’s to be gained by anything happening in the Everton match?

“We don’t want to see a 15 or 16-man mass brawl with handbags flying everywhere. It’s not what we want and its not what Everton want and I’m sure of that.

“I hope it doesn’t turn into a mass brawl and I’m sure it won’t. I’ll make sure my players are professional and will go about their jobs in the correct manner – and I’m sure David Moyes will do the same with his players.

“It’s a football match and not a fight. We will be trying to play football as will Everton, and let’s hope its played in the correct manner.”

Lee Clark is out with calf and Achilles injuries while Ian Pearce is cup-tied and new signing Brian McBride and Collins John miss out as they are ineligible.