Liverpool managing director Ian Ayre insists fans and players alike must ensure the focus is on football when they meet Manchester United in the FA Cup on Saturday.
Feelings between are running high in the wake of Luis Suarez's eight-match ban for racially abusing Patrice Evra.
Rumours abound about what will be worn, written and chanted at Anfield but Ayre stressed that, although he did not want the arch-rivalry to be diluted, there was no place for hatred.
"It is the FA Cup, a great competition in English football and one we have a great history in and we want that to be what everyone focuses on," said Ayre.
"We have massive rivalry with Manchester United but those who are respectful also have respect for them because they are a great footballing side and team and like us they have been very successful.
"We mustn't detract from fans chanting and singing at each other but it needs to be a rivalry thing rather than a hatred thing.
Feelings between are running high in the wake of Luis Suarez's eight-match ban for racially abusing Patrice Evra.
Rumours abound about what will be worn, written and chanted at Anfield but Ayre stressed that, although he did not want the arch-rivalry to be diluted, there was no place for hatred.
"It is the FA Cup, a great competition in English football and one we have a great history in and we want that to be what everyone focuses on," said Ayre.
"We have massive rivalry with Manchester United but those who are respectful also have respect for them because they are a great footballing side and team and like us they have been very successful.
"We mustn't detract from fans chanting and singing at each other but it needs to be a rivalry thing rather than a hatred thing.
