Make pre-match handshake optional, says QPR owner

QPR owner Tony Fernandes said Friday pre-match handshakes at matches should not be compulsory after his player Anton Ferdinand snubbed Chelsea's John Terry and Ashley Cole.

"I think it should be optional. If the team wants to shake, shake," the flamboyant Fernandes, who made his fortune running Southeast Asia's largest budget carrier, said in Singapore.

"If they don't, don't force. We come from a world of democracy and freedom and you can't force everyone to like everyone."

Ferdinand last week refused to shake the hands of the two Chelsea stars ahead of Queens Park Rangers' 0-0 draw against the fellow Londoners.

QPR skipper Park Ji-Sung also refused Terry's hand at the kick-off.

The rift dates back to last October when Chelsea captain Terry was accused of racially abusing centre-back Ferdinand.

England defender Terry has been cleared of criminal charges relating to the matter but still faces a Football Association charge in connection with the incident.