UEFA has opened disciplinary proceedings against Manchester United over Nani’s red card and the non-fulfilment of post-match media obligations at Tuesday’s Champions League match with Real Madrid, the European governing body has confirmed.
Alex Ferguson reacted angrily after Nani was sent off for a high challenge on Real’s Alvaro Arbeloa in the 56th minute of the match, which United were leading 1-0 at the time.
But with the man advantage, Real came back to win 2-1 on the night and 3-2 on aggregate.
Ferguson did not appear for interviews after the match, with his assistant Mike Phelan attending the post-match press conference and saying the manager was too “distraught” to speak, while the players did not stop to talk in the mixed zone.
UEFA issued a short statement yesterday confirming disciplinary proceedings have been opened against the club regarding the two incidents.
“The case will be dealt with by the UEFA Control and Disciplinary Body on Thursday 21 March,” the statement said.
Champions League rules oblige managers to speak to the media after every match.
Phelan had suggested he was at least likely to adopt a more diplomatic stance than his boss, who might have risked an even heavier sanction had he said in public what he thought in private.
The statement from UEFA made no mention of defender Rio Ferdinand, who sarcastically applauded Turkish referee Cuneyt Cakir after the final whistle when the players surrounded the officials.
UEFA has already released a statement insisting it had no issues regarding Cakir’s performance.
“There are no issues for us regarding the sending off,” said a UEFA spokesman.
Ferguson is due to speak to the media tomorrow ahead of Manchester United’s FA Cup quarter-final with Chelsea.
There has been an element of circling the wagons at Old Trafford, with former captain Roy Keane’s suggestion that Nani deserved his punishment for a high tackle on Arbeloa coming in for stinging criticism.
Former Manchester United European Cup winner Paddy Crerand was particularly venomous, although others were equally incredulous.
“That decision was an absolute joke,” former Manchester United defender Viv Anderson said.
“The players will feel as though they have been cheated by the referee.”
Once his anger has subsided, Ferguson will be able to reflect on an outstanding first hour in which Danny Welbeck and Ryan Giggs were superb.
However, should the United boss watch the match again, he may concede Rafael could easily have been sent off for a handball on the line.
He may also wonder at the speed with which Real adjusted to their numerical advantage, turning the entire tie on its head before United sorted themselves out.