Liverpool will host Manchester United in the fourth round of the FA Cup with fresh memories of the the league fixture that provoked a row about racism following comments made by Liverpool’s Luis Suarez to United’s Patrice Evra.
The draw also raised the possibility of a re-match between Chelsea and Queens Park Rangers (QPR), provided the latter win their replay against League One (third tier) Milton Keynes Dons. Emotions also spilled over in a previous match between the teams and featured John Terry’s alleged racist insult to Anton Ferdinand.
United knocked out holders Manchester City and apart from the controversy surrounding the Liverpool game they now face another tough match against one of the top teams as they bid to extend their FA Cup all-time winning record to 12 successes this season.
Di Matteo says Cup run to bolster Chelsea
Meanwhile, Roberto di Matteo, Chelsea’s assistant coach, believes a good FA Cup run can help lift Chelsea’s season.
The Blues advanced to a fourth-round meeting with either QPR or MK Dons on the back of a 4-0 win over Portsmouth at Stamford Bridge. Juan Mata broke the deadlock with Pompey early in the second half but it was not until a a flurry of goals in the final five minutes - two from Ramires and one from fellow midfielder Frank Lampard - that Chelsea’s victory was assured.
“The FA Cup is a trophy we want to win and a run in the Cup can the lift the whole environment,” said the former Italy midfielder while praising the performance of Ramires, particularly the Brazilian’s finish for his second goal. “I was very pleased with that one. He’s a fantastic player, very dynamic and brings plenty of energy.”
Rooney rejects Mancini claim
Meanwhile, Wayne Rooney has slammed Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini’s claim he got Vincent Kompany sent-off in Manchester United’s 3-2 win.
Italian boss Mancini felt Rooney influenced referee Chris Foy into showing defender Kompany a red card for a two-footed challenge on Nani just 12 minutes into Sunday’s incident-packed third round clash.
But the England striker defended himself. “Funny how people think I got Kompany sent off,” wrote Rooney on Twitter. “I’m not the referee. I didn’t give the red card.”
Published in The Express Tribune, January 10th, 2012.
COMMENTS
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ