The traditional pre-match handshakes between the players of QPR and Chelsea were cancelled at their FA Cup tie on Saturday, the Football Association decided.
The fourth-round cup clash is the first time Anton Ferdinand faces Chelsea captain John Terry since they became embroiled in a race-row during the team's last meeting at Loftus Road in October.
The decision came as heightened security checks were put in place at the club after Ferdinand was allegedly sent a threatening package in the post.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed they are investigating a "malicious communication", which sources say was addressed to Rangers defender Ferdinand.
It is believed the package, received by QPR on Friday, contained some sort of bullet but this has not been confirmed by the force.
Elsewhere, a massive security operation was also put in place for Manchester United's encounter with Liverpool at Anfield, the first time the north-west rivals had met since Patrice Evra made his racism allegations against Luis Suarez.
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