|
|
Ferguson finds it 'hard to keep faith in the game' after refereeing decisions
08-Mar-2013 8:19:00 PM
The Red Devils boss was left reeling after Cuneyt Cakir sent Nani off during the Champions League defeat to Real Madrid
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has said it is "hard to keep your faith" in football after seeing Nani get sent off during his side’s 2-1 Champions League defeat to Real Madrid.
United were leading against the Spanish champions until referee Cuneyt Cakir gave midfielder Nani a straight red for perceived dangerous play just before the hour mark, handing the visitors the initiative to go on to score twice to seal victory.
And Sir Alex admits the decision - along with Paul Scholes’ disallowed goal against Porto in 2004 and Rafael’s red card against Bayern Munich in 2010 - has made him question his faith in the game.
"It's hard to keep your faith when you see what's happened in the last few years," Sir Alex told reporters.
"It's the third time we've been knocked out by a referee's decision and it's not easy to take.
"I was concerned before the game. I said that to my staff. I had a big worry about it. But it's gone now. We have to get on with it."
However, Cakir has since spoken to a Spanish newspaper to defend his actions on Tuesday night, although the Turkish FA have denied that any such interview had taken place.
"I feel well and I don't doubt my decisions," Cakir is quoted as saying by AS. "The red card to Nani was correct. People will see that is the case in time.
"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."
Related Stories
Inside Goal.Com
-
Goal Special: I-League Team of the Season
Each of Goal's correspondents select their own XI, before eventually settling on a combined team, which represents the best of the lot from the 2012-13 season...
-
Champions League Final Tactical Analysis
Brendon Netto analyzes where the Champions League final between Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich could be own or lost.
-
How Heynckes was always undermined
The veteran coach will step down from his position in charge of Die Roten after the Champions League final at Wembley. Goal reflects on how Heynckes was never given due credit....
-
Transfer Talk: Read all the gossips
The Goal.com Rumour Mill is your 24/7 source for all the latest rumblings in the global transfer market.
-
Who is the greatest CL striker ever?
Enter our competition now and you will be in with a chance of winning one of four replica football shirts. Simply pick your favourite and subscribe to our YouTube channel