UEFA slaps one-match ban on Nani, fines Sir Alex Ferguson for avoiding media

UEFA, as per the expectation, has hit Manchester United forward Nani with a one-match ban in the aftermath of his sending-off in the Manchester United’s 2nd leg fixture against Real Madrid in the Champions League earlier this month.

Meanwhile, the European governing body have also reprimanded Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson with a £8,500 fine as he refused to speak to the media after his side’s highly controversial defeat at the hands of Real Madrid at Old Trafford.

Turkish referee Cuneyt Cakir gave the Portuguese international his marching orders for the seemingly high challenge on Alvaro Arbeloa to the disbelief of Ferguson, who later decided to skip the media conference as he was “not in the right frame of mind.”

UEFA issued a statement which read: “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.

“Manchester United head coach Sir Alex Ferguson has been fined €10,000 for non-fulfilment of the post-match media obligations (Annex III, paras 2.6 and 2.7 of the competition regulations) at the same match.”

This is some relief to Manchester United fans as UEFA’s disciplinary committee decided not to increase Nani’s punishment and as a result, he will serve out the one-match mandatory ban for his dismissal.