Ferguson picks up €10,000 fine for Euro no-show

Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson escaped with a slap on the wrist from UEFA after his no-show at a post-match press conference following the Champions League exit to Real Madrid.

The Scot was yesterday fined €10,000 for “non-fulfilment of the post-match media obligations” after the controversial 2-1 defeat at Old Trafford. Assistant Mike Phelan had said the Red Devils boss was too “distraught” to face the media.

Ferguson was furious about Turkish referee Cuneyt Cakir’s decision to show a red card to midfielder Nani.

Worse sanctions could have included a touchline ban but UEFA didn’t deem Ferguson’s indiscretion serious enough to implement anything more than a financial penalty.

Nani was banned for one match, the minimum punishment he could receive after a high tackle on Alvaro Arbeloa.

“Manchester United 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 at Old Trafford on 5 March,” a UEFA statement read. “United head coach Sir Alex Ferguson has been fined €10,000 for non-fulfilment of the post-match media obligations at the same match.”