The referee’s to Manchester United's Nani turned the match

GOAL.COM

The European football governing body has confirmed that Cuneyt Cakir will remain on their list of officials for the upcoming Champions League matches this season
UEFA has backed referee Cuneyt Cakir following his controversial decision to show Nani a red card during Manchester United's defeat to Real Madrid on Tuesday night.

However, the football body has begun disciplinary proceedings against Manchester United following their Champions League defeat by Real Madrid.

European football's governing body is taking action over Nani's red card and the non-fulfilment of post-match media obligations at Old Trafford, where manager Sir Alex Ferguson failed to show with his deputy saying he was too ‘distraught’.

The Portuguese winger was sent from the field after catching Los Blancos defender Alvaro Arbeloa with a stray boot with United leading 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 Red Devils, UEFA insist 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 World Cup, is no stranger to red card controversy, having sent off John Terry during last year’s Champions League semi-final meeting between Chelsea and Barcelona.