JOHN BARNES and Andy Cole know more than most about the white-hot atmosphere of a Liverpool-Manchester United clash.
Both expect this afternoon’s FA Cup fourth round at Anfield to be as passionate and explosive as ever – but are hoping the focus remains on what happens on the pitch.
Today’s clash is the first time the two clubs have met since the Luis Suarez-Patrice Evra affair, which resulted in the Liverpool striker receiving an eight-game ban from the FA for being found guilty of racially abusing the United defender.
Barnes played in numerous encounters between the bitter North West rivals during his 10 seasons at Anfield, scoring the winner at Old Trafford the last time Liverpool won the League title in 1990.
And the Jamaican-born Reds legend realises how much he and his team-mates benefited from the passionate backing from the Anfield faithful.
Wednesday night’s semi-final victory over Manchester City which secured Liverpool’s return to Wembley for the first time in 16 years for next month’s Carling Cup final against Cardiff City came amid the backdrop of another electric Anfield atmosphere.
And Barnes is hoping the Reds fans are again in full voice to roar Kenny Dalglish’s side on to another win over Manchester rivals – as long as they don’t cross the line.
Barnes said: “Supporters always have a part to play, regardless of what has gone before. They have a responsibility to behave themselves.
“They have a responsibility to support the team, to boo the opposition, to try and put the opposition off in a fair and legal way, and that is what I expect from both Liverpool and Manchester United fans on Saturday.
“As long as there are no racist connotations towards their abuse, then I don’t see a problem.”
Cole scored at Anfield for United in a 3-1 win as they closed in on the Premier League title in 1997.
He fired 11 goals in all for United against Liverpool and has happy memories of the clash between the country’s two most successful sides.
And he is hoping this latest meeting is remembered for footballing reasons.
He said: “The atmosphere is always electric.
“With the rivalry and the history between the two clubs, you would expect nothing less.
“A lot has been made out of what has happened with Patrice and Suarez, but ultimately we should be talking about the game.
“In today’s society, it is a shame that we still have to talk about a racist element.
“We should be talking about the game, the players and where the game is won and lost. Everything else devalues the game to a certain extent.”
Cole also believes that the winner of this afternoon’s tie will be in a great position to lift the trophy.
“Whoever wins this tie has to be favourites,” he added.
