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Fergie urges fans to behave at Anfield

Sir Alex Ferguson is hopeful fans will behave themselves at Anfield © Getty Images

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Sir Alex Ferguson has written to Manchester United supporters with tickets to this Saturday's FA Cup trip at Anfield, asking them to be on their best behaviour in order to ensure the club retains a healthy ticket allocation.

There are fears that the fallout from the Luis Suarez-Patrice Evra race row could manifest itself in trouble at the stadium, and United fans have previously seen their allocation diminish because of misdemeanours at Anfield.

However, there were no problems at Liverpool for the Premier League clash between the sides in October, after Ferguson pleaded with supporters to behave ahead of the game, and the Red Devils boss is now calling for calm again.

"I wrote to fans attending the away match in October urging them to co-operate with stewards and officials at Liverpool so we can make a strong case for restoring our allocation for future United games at Anfield,'' Ferguson said in the letter.

"The fans did almost everything asked of them that day and as a result, we have a much improved allocation for this important FA Cup tie.

"Please do everything you can to continue that good work and protect next season's allocation by:

• Going to the seat that you've bought
• Not blocking aisles and gangways
• Respecting the stewards
• Following the ground regulations

"FA Cup ties are tense affairs at the best of times. Add in the fact that Manchester United against Liverpool is the biggest game around and it becomes even more so. Your support is vital to the team and down the years that has been especially true at Anfield.

"But please put the emphasis on getting us into the next round and giving the sort of support you are famous for - positive, witty and loud.''

It had previously been suggested peace talks would take place between Liverpool and United officials over the bad blood that was spilled during the Evra-Suarez row.

Ferguson claimed he did not see the need for that and though there have been discussions, it is believed they centred around the game itself and were no more significant than they would be for any other match between the two clubs in recent years.

When the teams last met in the FA Cup at Anfield, in February 2006, there were widespread claims of mistreatment by the United fans, which it is hoped a massive police and stewarding presence will avoid on this occasion.

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