UEFA launch proceedings against United
Sir Alex Ferguson, centre, did not attend the post-match press conference
UEFA has opened disciplinary proceedings against Manchester United over Nani's red card and the non-fulfilment of post-match media obligations at Tuesday night's Champions League match with Real Madrid, the European governing body has confirmed.
Manager Sir Alex Ferguson reacted angrily after Nani was sent off for a high challenge on Madrid's Alvaro Arbeloa in the 56th minute of the match, which United were leading 1-0 at the time. But with the man advantage, Madrid came back to win 2-1 on the night, 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 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.
Wednesday's 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.
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shame there's no mention of camel gob in the report... that kind of behavior needs to be stamped out... what sort of example is it to youngsters when you've got highly paid players behaving like petulant spoilt babies on the pitch... bearing in mind there were youngsters who support other teams watching... obviously any youngsters of a manyoo persuasion will grow up to be petulant, whining, divine right babies, given the evidence provided by the adult support already at the club.
Well he blantenly done the same for two seasons against the BBC ... because the truth was asked and spoken. That was not only disrespectful but against the agreements there too ... and his club still took the money.
Indeed his club do pay all is fines etc. so that was offset ... well nearly it actually came out of the supporters funds every week.
