Ferguson fined £8,500 by Uefa over Real match

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson escaped with a slap on the wrist from Uefa after his no-show at a post-match press conference following the Champions League exit to Real Madrid.

The Scot was fined £8,500 for “non-fulfilment of the post-match media obligations” after the controversial 2-1 defeat at Old Trafford. Press conference duties were undertaken by assistant Mike Phelan, who said his boss was too “distraught” to face the media.

Ferguson was furious about Turkish referee Cuneyt Cakir’s decision to show a red card to midfielder Nani, which he felt swung the tie in Real’s favour.

More severe sanctions could have included a touchline ban but Uefa did not deem Ferguson’s indiscretion a serious enough offence to implement anything more than a financial penalty.

Nani was banned for one match, the minimum punishment he could receive after a high tackle on Alvaro Arbeloa. The disciplinary panel decided there were no circumstances which warranted an increase in his suspension.

“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 euros for non-fulfilment of the post-match media obligations at the same match.”