The Football Association has instructed Manchester United and Liverpool not to discuss or take any more questions on the racism dispute between Patrice Evra and Luis Suárez because of the potential for it to inflame relations between the two clubs.
Senior FA officials have contacted both clubs and asked for them not to talk about the matter while the investigation is under way into Evra's allegations that he was called a "nigger" at least ten times during the 1-1 draw at Anfield last Saturday.
The FA's investigators interviewed Evra at United's training ground on Thursday and will travel to Liverpool early next week to ask Suárez for his version of events. Suárez strongly denies the allegations, with Liverpool's backing, and the FA will ask the Uruguayan whether he can prove there is no case to answer by providing witnesses who can vouch for him.
Similarly, Evra was asked if he knew of any team-mates who could corroborate his accusations, with the growing sense that if none is forthcoming the FA may feel there is little option but to drop the matter on the grounds of insufficient evidence.
The dispute is threatening to test relations between the two clubs and United are unhappy about the assertion by the Liverpool manager, Kenny Dalglish, that "everyone at the club is totally and utterly behind Luis Suárez".
United have taken care not to say anything that could be construed as determining which player is telling the truth, and the annoyance at Old Trafford stems from the fact that Dalglish has made it clear he disbelieves Evra.
Ferguson was planning to discuss it at Friday's press conference, but the FA has moved quickly to prevent the row escalating. "The FA have sent us a directive today saying not to discuss it while the investigation is going on," United's manager said. "They interviewed Patrice yesterday and I have plenty to say on the subject but I suppose I will have to adhere to what they are saying. I would like to say something about Pat in this particular instance but let them get on with their investigation."
Evra made the allegation on French television and there are suggestions he will go on Canal Plus again on Sunday, though it is not clear whether he will discuss what happened with Suárez any further. He declined to talk to reporters after United's Champions League tie against Otelul Galati in Romania on Tuesday.
