Nani's Red Was Correct! Defiant Referee Cakir Defends Call To Send United Winger Off

Controversial Turkish referee Cuneyt Cakir has stood by his decision to send Manchester United winger Nani off in Tuesday's Champions League defeat to Real Madrid.

The Portuguese winger was given his marching orders after a coming together with Alvaro Arbeloa in the 56th minute of the second leg clash at Old Trafford, a decision widely condemned by a string of former professionals.

 

UEFA have backed their man, insisting he has nothing to answer for, an opinion echoed by him when speaking to the Spanish media today.

Cakir told newspaper AS: 'I feel good and I do not doubt my decisions. Nani's red was correct. The world will realise the truth over time.'

The official also brandished other high-profile red cards in matches involving English teams, dismissing John Terry in Chelsea's Champions League semi-final second leg against Barcelona last season, Mario Balotelli in a Europa League game against Dynamo Kiev and, earlier this season, Steven Gerrard during England's World Cup draw with Ukraine and Gary Cahill in the Club World Cup defeat to Corinthians.

'In the previous games with the English teams there was no unfair decision,' said Cakir.

'What decision was incorrect? The red to Terry or Balotelli? I don't think I made a mistake in showing those cards and sending them off.'

Regarding being at the centre of controversy this week, Cakir said: 'It hasn't made me feel sad. I don't think about it.

'I've received more criticism on other occasions, but I've always got up and recovered. I can do it again.'

United manager Sir Alex Ferguson was visibly incensed by the official's call to red-card Nani - which proved to be a turning point in the tie.

John Terry was sent off by Cakir against Barcelona

Steven Gerrard )left) was red-carded by Cakir against Ukraine

Gary Cahill was sent to the stands during Chelsea's match against Corinthians earlier this season

Source: dailymail