Ferguson Fined & Nani Banned

Sir Alex Ferguson has avoided a touchline ban for failing to appear at a press conference after Manchester United's controversial defeat by Real Madrid.

Ferguson was left fuming after Nani received a straight red card with United leading 1-0 in the UEFA Champions League second-leg, and Real Madrid hit back to win the game 2-1, going through 3-2 on aggregate in the last-16 tie.

The Scot did not attend the mandatory press conference afterwards, but was hit with a £8,500 fine rather than a ban, while Nani received a one-game suspension for his dismissal.

Assistant manager Mike Phelan claimed at the time that Ferguson was too "distraught" to face the media, and the United boss subsequently said it was "hard to keep faith" with referees in the face of such incidents.

Nani was guaranteed to receive a one-match ban, but it could have been extended if UEFA decided the challenge was unduly dangerous.

A UEFA 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 for non-fulfilment of the post-match media obligations at the same match."