FA won't scrap Patrice Evra, Luis Suarez handshake

Patrice Evra
© PA Photos
The pressure is on Manchester United captain Patrice Evra and Liverpool striker Luis Suarez to shake hands before the highly-anticipated clash at Old Trafford as the Premier League confirm that the pre-match tradition will not be axed.

Questions were raised over whether the formality will go ahead following the Football Association's decision to scrap handshakes between Queens Park Rangers centre-back Anton Ferdinand and Chelsea's John Terry a fortnight ago amid allegations of racial abuse.

Despite the governing body's decision, it is understood that the FA will not prevent the pre-match formality from occurring, according to The Express.

This is the first time that the pair will have crossed paths since Suarez was charged with racially abusing the Frenchman in October and hit with an eight-match ban.

Millions will be watching on Saturday to see whether Evra decides to shake hands with the Uruguayan international as he walks down the line with his United teammates. However, there is the possibility that Suarez will not start for the Reds, therefore avoiding the pre-match ritual.
Tables
TeamPGDPTS
1Manchester United384389
2Manchester City383278
3Chelsea383675
4Arsenal383573
5Tottenham Hotspur382072
6Everton381563
7Liverpool382861
8West Bromwich Albion38-449
9Swansea City38-446
10West Ham United38-846
11Norwich City38-1744
12Fulham38-1043
13Stoke City38-1142
14Southampton38-1141
15Aston Villa38-2241
16Newcastle United38-2341
17Sunderland38-1339
RWigan Athletic38-2636
RReading38-3028
RQueens Park Rangers38-3025