There was huge interest in how the pair would behave towards one another ahead of the game between Chelsea and Manchester City at Stamford Bridge, west London.

As the off-pitch tension built up in the wake of allegations about Terry and lingerie model Vanessa Perroncel, the mother of Bridge's three-year-old son, City player Bridge made his feelings clear by snubbing the Fair Play handshake courtesy to Terry.

As Terry, 29, stood in line with his Chelsea team-mates, he held out his hand as Bridge filed past with his fellow Manchester City players. But while Bridge, also 29, shook hands with the rest of his opponents, he walked past Terry without making any contact.

The ritual was introduced by the Premier League two seasons ago as part of the Get On With The Game campaign to encourage acceptable behaviour. Such was the interest in the interaction between Terry and Bridge that Sky Sports viewers were able to see the crucial moments before kick-off.

Usually, the broadcaster would screen adverts during the routine and return to the pitch for the main action. But timings were altered to make sure nothing was missed.

VIDEO: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aKmUg6JKcHg

Before the game, Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti said he did not expect the atmosphere to affect his captain.

He said: "John Terry is professional and doesn't have a problem in staying focused on the match. He has been doing good performances. He is in focus and has a good mentality. He has had a fantastic season and will do the same until the end of the season."

City manager Roberto Mancini urged defender Bridge to concentrate on the match, which came just 48 hours after he withdrew from England's World Cup plans. He said: "He is a strong character, who has a strong mentality."

Bucharest Herald