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Anton Ferdinand was spared having to shake John Terry's hand before QPR's FA Cup clash with Chelsea.

The Football Association gave the clubs permission not to take part in the traditional pre-match handshake, amid uncertainty as to whether Rangers defender Ferdinand would snub Terry.

This is the first time the two sides have met since Terry was charged with racially abusing Ferdinand during October's Premier League game between the two.

Terry has denied the offence and Ferdinand was reportedly agonising over whether or not to accept his hand.

The FA released a statement which read: "Following discussions on Friday evening and Saturday morning involving senior officials from QPR, Chelsea and the FA, it has been agreed there will not be the usual team handshake before today's FA Cup fourth-round tie at Loftus Road.

"The FA agreed to the request by both clubs in an attempt to further defuse tensions before the match."

Those tensions were raised on Friday night when Metropolitan Police announced they were investigating a "malicious communication" sent to QPR and addressed to Ferdinand.

There were reports the package contained a bullet but the contents on Satuday remained unconfirmed by both police and the club.

But the matter was serious enough to prompt Rangers and Chelsea to announce all fans entering Loftus Road would be subject to "full searches" before entering the ground.

Stewards were seen using handheld metal detectors, with some donning protective goggles, while there was a heavier than usual police presence.

Prior to yesterday's developments, the build-up to today's game had focused on whether Ferdinand would shake Terry's hand.

It was the first encounter between the players since October's league game and came just four days before the court case was due to begin in which Terry was expected to plead not guilty to racially abusing Ferdinand.

Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas had said yesterday it was "extremely important" the players shook hands prior to kick-off, but QPR manager Mark Hughes insisted it would be entirely Ferdinand's decision.