By MARK IRWIN
QPR’s Ferdinand refused to shake Terry and Ashley Cole’s hand before yesterday’s 0-0 draw with Chelsea.
Home captain Ji-Sung Park also failed to shake visiting skipper Terry’s hand.
Hughes said: “The players had the discussion and I was made aware that some were prepared to shake opposition hands and some weren’t.
“I did not know which individuals and wasn’t going to push the point. It was a personal decision for each of them.”
Hughes is convinced the authorities should act and revert to the days when players shook hands AFTER the game.
He added: “That’s how it used to be. You can’t get too misty eyed about the old days and how it used to be. A lot of things have moved on for the better.
“I’ve got the utmost respect for the Respect campaign and I think it has done great work. But this element is something that causes more problems than it solves.
“I hope it doesn’t continue. For goodness sake, we’ve been talking about it for God knows how long.
“I thought the game was what was important today and thankfully it was played in good spirit. It was very competitive and we are pleased with our performance.
“Chelsea knew they had to play to stay in the game today and I think they will be pleased with their point.”
The supercharged atmosphere was fuelled by chants from both sets of supporters directed at JT and Ferdinand.
The handshake row came at the end of a week when both QPR and Chelsea were locked in talks in a bid to defuse the potential confrontation between Ferdinand and Terry.
A rift has existed between the players since Chelsea’s last Premier League visit to Loftus Road last October that ended with allegations Terry racially abused Ferdinand.
The Chelsea player was cleared of criminal charges in court this summer — but still faces an FA charge relating to the incident.
And the continuing fall-out from the matter was there for all to see when the simmering tension between the players was laid bare before kick-off.
It became clear there would be no conciliation when Park — a former team-mate of Ferdinand’s brother Rio at Manchester United — ignored Terry’s hand as he led his Rangers side along the line.
Ferdinand followed suit and also snubbed Cole, who appeared as a character witness for Terry in court.
And when Park met Terry again in the centre circle for the toss-up, the two captains avoided contact.
But both managers praised the contribution of the two men in the spotlight, who were both outstanding in a game dominated by defences.
Hughes said: “I thought Anton was excellent.
“I was pleased the players didn’t lose their focus.
“Obviously there was a danger but I realised that was not going to be the case the moment it kicked off.
“I think we were just keen to get back playing after the international break.
“It was a great challenge for us and I think we were up to it.”
Roberto Di Matteo was equally satisfied his players did not let the tension get to them.
The Chelsea manager said: “Our players didn’t have a problem with the focus. They were very concentrated and waited for the opportunities for us. On another day we could have scored.
“We handled it well — our players were very professional.
“Both sets of players have shown a great attitude. They have shown how professional they are and they have played the game in the right spirit.
“It was a good derby to watch.”
But Di Matteo was adamant referee Andre Marriner should have awarded his side at least one first-half penalty when Ryan Nelsen appeared to bundle over Terry.
The visitors also had a second claim when Shaun Wright-Phillips tangled with Eden Hazard.
And the Blues boss added: “Certainly the incident with Nelsen and JT looked like a stonewall penalty to me.
“I’ve watched the replay. I know the referee doesn’t have the replay and I don’t know whether he saw it or not.
“The one on Hazard, he was in a good position and maybe he didn’t think there was enough.
“But the one on JT was 100 per cent, we all agree on that.”
