Fergie calls for calm ahead of Liverpool showdown

LIVERPOOL, United Kingdom (AFP) - Sir Alex Ferguson has called for calm ahead of Manchester United's emotionally-charged clash against bitter rivals Liverpool on Sunday.

United manager Ferguson is well aware that the eyes of the football world will be on Anfield this weekend for the 186th installment of the English game's most volatile grudge match.

The fixture marks Liverpool's first home match since the publication of an explosive report into the Hillsborough disaster which saw 96 Reds fans killed due to crushing at an FA Cup semi-final in 1989.

Hillsborough remains a hugely sensitive issue for Liverpool fans and feelings are still running high after the report proved that the authorities engaged in a cover-up in a bid to blame the tragedy on drunken supporters.