• Champions League

Nani banned, Fergie fined after Madrid

Sir Alex Ferguson failed to show for his obligatory post-match media duties in Manchester © PA Photos

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Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has been fined £8,500 by UEFA for non-fulfilment of his post-match media obligations following the Champions League defeat to Real Madrid, while Nani has been suspended for one match for his dismissal in that game.

Nani was shown a red card for a high tackle on Alvaro Arbeloa by referee Cuneyt Cakir as United crashed out of Europe to Madrid, losing the last-16 second leg tie at Old Trafford 2-1.

Ferguson did not attend his media commitments after the game, which United had been in control of and leading 1-0 prior to the dismissal.

Assistant manager Mike Phelan took Ferguson's place in front of the media, claiming that the Scot was too "distraught" to face them himself.

European football's governing body confirmed the sanctions for both Ferguson and Nani on Friday following a meeting of its control and disciplinary body.

The statement 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 [euros] for non-fulfilment of the post-match media obligations at the same match.''

Ferguson subsequently said it was "hard to keep faith'' in the face of such incidents, and that it was the third time during his tenure United had been knocked out of the Champions League as a direct result of what he felt were poor decisions.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.