• ‘Malicious communication’ was allegedly received by QPR
• Ferdinand to face John Terry for first time since league meeting

Anton Ferdinand was the target of a death threat on the eve of Saturday’s potentially explosive west London derby against Chelsea. Hammersmith and Fulham police are investigating a letter, believed to contain an object, which was received by Queens Park Rangers and is understood to have been addressed to the defender.

The buildup to the FA Cup fourth-round tie has been dominated by the first meeting of Ferdinand and John Terry on the pitch since the England captain was charged with a racially aggravated public order offence relating to an altercation with the QPR defender during the fractious league meeting at Loftus Road in October.

Terry’s case is due to be heard at Westminster magistrates court on Wednesday, though he will not be in attendance, with his legal team to enter a not guilty plea on his behalf.

It is not clear whether Ferdinand was made immediately aware of the letter but a Metropolitan police spokesman said: “I can confirm we are investigating an allegation of malicious communication received today at Queens Park Rangers football club. Officers from Hammersmith and Fulham are investigating.”

Confirmation of the threat will dismay both clubs, who had been hoping to ease the tension ahead of the tie. The two chairmen issued a joint statement this week appealing for calm.

John TerryChelseaQPRFA Cup 2011-12FA CupRace issuesDominic FifieldJamie Jackson
guardian.co.uk