London, Jan 28: Queensland Park Rangers defender Anton Ferdinand has received a bullet in a post less than 24 hours before his team's match against Chelsea where he would face John Terry, whom he had accused of racially abusing him.

The Metropolitan Police confirmed on Friday that they have started looking into the matter after a "malicious communication" was sent to Ferdinand at QPR''s training ground in Harlington on Friday. "We are investigating an allegation of malicious communication received today at QPR FC," said a police spokesman.

It is believed that an anonymous package was addressed to Ferdinand and contained a death threat along with the bullet, although these facts have not been established yet, The Telegraph reports.

This recent incident also has put question marks over Ferdinand's participation in today's FA Cup fourth-round tie against Chelsea, while QPR manager Mark Hughes has said he will talk to Ferdinand again on Saturday morning over his participation in the match.

The one fact, which intensifies the matter, is that the bullet, which has been sent to Ferdinand, has been recently fired. Now forensics tests are taking place on the bullet.

The latest incident is also expected to tighten up the security measure during the match at Loftus Road and it's believed that the police are thinking to deploy more officers inside the stadium to ensure there are no problems. The match is already kicking off early, at 12 pm, on police advice. (ANI)