Sir Alex Ferguson has called for calm ahead of Manchester United’s emotionally-charged clash against bitter rivals Liverpool on Sunday.
United manager Ferguson is well aware that the eyes of the football world will be on Anfield this weekend for the 186th instalment of the English game’s most volatile grudge match.
The fixture marks Liverpool’s first home match since the publication of an explosive report into the Hillsborough disaster which saw 96 Reds fans killed due to crushing at an FA Cup semi-final in 1989.
Hillsborough remains a hugely sensitive issue for Liverpool fans and feelings are still running high after the report proved that the authorities engaged in a cover-up in a bid to blame the tragedy on drunken supporters.
But United fans, who have often taunted their rivals about Hillsborough in the past, engaged in anti-Liverpool chants during last weekend’s win over Wigan, raising fears they could do the same at Anfield and potentially spark serious crowd disorder.
There is also the potential for another ugly meeting between Liverpool striker Luis Suarez and United defender Patrice Evra.