UEFA endorse Nani dismissal

UEFA has backed referee Cuneyt Cakir following his decision to show Nani a red card during Manchester United’s defeat to Real Madrid.

The Portuguese winger was sent from the field after catching Real defender Alvaro Arbeloa with a high boot as United led 1-0 on the night and 2-1 on aggregate in the sides’ Champions League last-16 clash.

And, despite the Turkish official coming in for criticism after United went on to lose the tie courtesy of two quick-fire goals from the visitors against the 10-man hosts, UEFA has insisted there are “no issues” with Cakir.

“We have no problem with him,” a spokesman told The Guardian.

“There are no issues for us regarding the sending off.

“We will wait for the official reports of the match delegate and the referee’s observer, as is procedure. If they raise concerns then we will act.

“He remains on our list of officials.”

Cakir, who is set to officiate at the 2014 FIFA World Cup, is no stranger to issuing high-profile red cards, having sent off John Terry during last year’s Champions League semi-final meeting between Chelsea and Barcelona.