Fergie fury at Nani red card

Sir Alex Ferguson gagged himself for his own good at Old Trafford last night.

The Manchester United manager was raging at Turkish referee Cuneyt Cakir's controversial decision to dismiss Nani during the second half of the Champions League last–16 tie with Real Madrid.

At the time, the hosts were 1-0 ahead through a Sergio Ramos own goal and heading for a quarter–final berth.

But Cakir felt Nani's high challenge on Alvaro Arbeloa was worthy of a red card and, within minutes, goals from Luka Modric and Cristiano Ronaldo had turned the tie on its head, Real going on to win 3–2 on aggregate.

And Ferguson's response was to sidestep the post–match press conference and send assistant Mike Phelan in his place.

"The manager is not in a fit state to talk about the decision," said Phelan. "It speaks volumes that I am sat here.

"We are all witnesses to a decision that seemed very harsh, and incredible at that moment in the game. To say we are disappointed is an understatement.

"We felt as though we had got things right tactically and were reasonably comfortable. That amazing decision changed things totally."

In his role as pundit for ITV, former United skipper Roy Keane claimed the decision to dismiss Nani had been correct.

It was not a view shared by many, with even Real boss Jose Mourinho admitting it was harsh.”
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