UEFA backs referee Cakir in Nani dismissal aftermath

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.

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.

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 insists 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 semifinal meeting between Chelsea and Barcelona.