Manchester United midfielder Nani has been suspended for one game for his dismissal in the Champions League tie with Real Madrid at Old Trafford on March 5th, while manager Alex Ferguson has been fined €10,000 for non-fulfilment of media obligations after the same match.
European football’s governing body Uefa confirmed the sanctions this afternoon following a meeting of its control and disciplinary body.
“Manchester United FC midfield player Nani has been suspended for one match by Uefa’s Control and Disciplinary Body, following the red card he received at the Uefa Champions League round of 16 second leg against Real Madrid CF at Old Trafford on 5 March,” a Uefa statement read.
“Manchester United head coach Sir Alex Ferguson has been fined €10,000 for non-fulfilment of the post-match media obligations at the same match.”
Nani would have been banned for one match regardless as a result of his red card for a tackle on Alvaro Arbeloa during United’s 2-1 defeat which saw them exit the competition.
However, the disciplinary panel decided there were no exceptional circumstances which warranted an increase.
The fine handed out to Ferguson is effectively a slap on the wrist after the Scot failed to attend the mandatory post-match press conference.
His place was taken by assistant Mike Phelan who said Ferguson was too “distraught” to face the media.
Ferguson was furious about Turkish referee Cuneyt Cakir’s decision to show a red card which he felt swung the tie in Real’s favour.
More severe penalties could have included a touchline ban but Uefa did not deem it a serious enough offence to implement that.