John Terry and Anton Ferdinand were spared an awkward moment before Saturday's match between QPR and Chelsea after the Football Association (FA) allowed the team handshake to be cancelled.
A race row was ignited the last time the teams took to the pitch, in October last year, when Terry was alleged to have made a racist slur at Ferdinand.
Tensions were raised even higher ahead of the Fourth Round FA Cup clash at Loftus Road after the Rangers defender was sent a bullet-like item in the post.
Tight security surrounded the midday game as fans underwent full searches before entering the west London stadium.
Stewards were seen using handheld metal detectors, with some donning protective goggles, while there was a heavier than usual police presence.
On the pitch the focus was on whether Ferdinand would snub Terry in the pre-match handshake, as Manchester City's Wayne Bridge did following an alleged affair between the Chelsea star and Bridge's ex-partner Vanessa Perroncel.
But at the request of both teams the customary greeting was called off.
An FA spokesman said: "Following discussions on Friday evening and Saturday morning involving senior officials from QPR, Chelsea and the FA, it has been agreed there will not be the usual team handshake before today's FA Cup fourth-round tie at Loftus Road.
"The FA agreed to the request by both clubs in an attempt to further defuse tensions before the match."
Terry is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Wednesday to answer the charge of racially abusing Ferdinand, the brother of England defender Rio.
The Chelsea captain has strenuously denied the claim, and is expected to enter a not guilty plea.
Speaking after his side's 1-0 defeat to Chelsea, manager Mark Hughes confirmed ammunition was sent to Ferdinand at the club's training ground yesterday.
He said: "He was sent a letter with some bullet.
"I wouldn't call it a bullet, I think a pellet or something like that.
"Obviously we gave it straight to the police and let them deal with it and we took direction from them."
Asked what the letter said, Hughes added: "I won't divulge that.
"I think that issue was discussed at great length and it was right to be concerned about the contents of the letter.
"Obviously I had an opportunity to read it and it was not particularly nice, as I am sure you can imagine."
During the game, in which Terry wore a Respect armband, the Chelsea star was booed every time he touched the ball and was also the subject of numerous abusive taunts from the home fans.
Scotland Yard said there were no arrests around the match.