Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has reiterated his reluctance for tomorrow's FA Cup tie against Manchester United to be remembered for anything but the football.
After the epic fall-out from the last meeting between the sides in the Premiership, which was indelibly tainted by the alleged racial abuse directed by Luis Surez towards Patrice Evra, there is certain to be an uneasy atmosphere at Anfield.
As Sky Sports have reported, Merseyside Police have already stressed that they will take firm action against anyone guilty of inappropriate behaviour.
In a week that has seen representatives from both clubs attempt to quell whispers of hostility in the wake of Suarez's eight-match ban, Gerrard added his opinion on the matter.
"Liverpool and Manchester United is a massive rivalry and, of course, there is going to be stuff in the papers and banter between fans," explained the 89-cap England international.
"It would be fantastic, though, if it is remembered for being a top game and obviously, from our point of view, a Liverpool win.
"We don't want any front-page stories from this game or any stories besides a football match between two top sides."
Kenny Dalglish's charges head into the match on the back of booking a place in the final of the Carling Cup with a hard-fought draw with Manchester City in midweek and, as he continued, Gerrard seemed keen that the Reds managed a cup double.
"We've got to dust ourselves down and get our recovery in because we've got a massive game in the FA Cup," he said.
"We want to do the same in that competition - we want to go a long way."
