English football club Queens Park Rangers received a "malicious package", reportedly a bullet, addressed to defender Anton Ferdinand ahead of the fourth-round FA Cup clash against Chelsea.

Ferdinand was involved in an altercation with Chelsea and England captain John Terry when the two teams met in a Premier League clash at the Loftus Road in October. Terry was later charged with a racially aggravated public order offence.

The Chelsea captain's case is due to be heard at Westminster magistrates court Wednesday.

"I can confirm we are investigating an allegation of malicious communication received today at Queens Park Rangers Football Club," a Metropolitan Police spokesman was quoted as saying by Daily Mail.

Chelsea manager Andre Villas Boas had days earlier suggested that the two players shake hands before the start of the match.

"I think it's important they shake hands," said Villas-Boas. "This game is based on good values. These two players should continue to promote those good values. Firstly, it's a question of respect for the opponent and everybody should do it.

"The situation has been spoken about a lot and it's good for the players to show that, whatever is happening off the pitch, they are playing against each other and they fully respect one another."

--Indo-Asian News

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