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UEFA have confirmed that Rio Ferdinand will not face disciplinary action after sarcastically clapping at referee Cuneyt Cakir. The incident took place after the final whistle in Manchester United‘s recent loss to Real Madrid at Old Trafford. The Red Devils lost 2-1 on their home turf and were knocked out of this year’s competition.
The home side were on the frontfoot and looked in command, leading the game 1-0 until a red card was handed out to their Portuguese winger Nani for a high footed challenge. The game turned on its head after Manchester United were handed the numerical disadvantage and two quick goals following the dismissal made the decision look even more horrendous.
The challenge looked neither deliberate nor malicious. However, the Turkish official Cuneyt Cakir produced a direct red to the horror of more than 60,000 fans inside the stadium as well as the Manchester United players and staff.
A UEFA spokesperson stated, “From the report we have received from the referee, we will not take any action apart from the disciplinary proceedings against Manchester United for the red card of Nani and for post-match media obligations not being fulfilled.”
