Ian Ayre appeals to fans of Liverpool and Manchester United for friendly rivalry in FA Cup clash

In light of Luis Suarez's eight-match ban for racially abusing full-back Patrice Evra, the Anfield managing director wants both fans to enjoy the occasion in the fourth round tie

26 Jan 2012 23:09:00

By Michael Lightfoot

More On :  Liverpool, Manchester United, Liverpool vs Manchester United
Ian Ayre - Liverpool commercial director
Liverpool managing director Ian Ayre is hoping there will be nothing more than friendly rivalry amongst fans of his club and Manchester United on Saturday.

The two clubs go head-to-head in the FA Cup this weekend, with the winner booking a place in the fifth round.
Don't Miss

But this will be the first time that the two clubs play each other since Luis Suarez was banned for eight matches for racially abusing Patrice Evra back in October, so tensions will be high.

Ayre told BBC Radio Merseyside: "We mustn't detract from fans chanting and singing at each other but it needs to be a rivalry thing rather than a hatred thing."

Sir Alex Ferguson has written to travelling away fans to behave at Anfield and Ayre has appealed to both sets of fans to understand the nature of the game, but to not let things turn ugly.

He said: "It is the FA Cup, a great competition in English football and one we have a great history in and we want that to be what everyone focuses on.

"We have massive rivalry with Manchester United but those who are respectful also have respect for them because they are a great footballing side and team and, like us, they have been very successful.

"It is about a great spirit and a match between two great teams and it is certainly not hatred - there is no place for hatred in football.

"The banter on the terraces is great, both managers feel that as do the players. Far from trying to neutralise it we want our fans to be as vocal as they normally are against Manchester United.

"We definitely don't want to detract from that but both clubs have histories which have some things in people don't want to hear being sung about and so we want the fans to get behind the team, have a bit of fun and enjoy the game."

Follow Goal.com on Twitter

Follow Goal.com on Facebook
 
play pause open close
Inside Goal.Com
  1. Welbeck convinces Hodgson he is the man to lead the line Welbeck convinces Hodgson he is the man to lead the line

    England beat Norway 1-0 at Wembley, with the Manchester United man hitting an impressive winner to stake his claim for a starting spot at Euro 2012

  2. How England player's chances were affected by Belgium victory How England player's chances were affected by Belgium victory

    Ashley Young all but secured his place in the starting line-up against France while captain Steven Gerrard put a good shift in. Joe Hart, however, needs to remain focused

  3. In Pictures: The best and worst kits at Euro 2012 In Pictures: The best and worst kits at Euro 2012

    The European Championship is just around the corner and Goal.com distinguishes between the trendy and the passe at the prestigious tournament

  4. Managerial merry-go-round keeps spinning as Lambert takes Villa job Managerial merry-go-round keeps spinning as Lambert takes Villa job

    The Scot officially left Norwich City on Saturday to become the second new boss in June, following the appointment of Brendan Rodgers at Liverpool on Friday

  5. Hungary - Republic of Ireland Preview Hungary - Republic of Ireland Preview

    Veteran Italian coach takes his Irish side to Újpest in Hungary for their last warm-up match before their highly-anticipated Euro 2012 opener against Group C rivals Croatia