Nani ref in death threats - Storm over Utd red card
Posted Thursday, March 07, 2013 by The Sun
Red card ... Cuneyt Cakir and Nani
CRAZED fans yesterday threatened to KILL the referee who sent off Man United ace Nani during the club’s controversial Champions League exit.
Turkish official Cuneyt Cakir red-carded the winger over a “high challenge” as the Red Devils slumped to a 2-1 home defeat against Real Madrid.
Seething supporters blamed Cakir for the result, with one talking of STONING him to death and others saying his family should be murdered.
Another fan was so furious he rang cops and asked them to ARREST the ref during Tuesday night’s game.
Challenge ... Nani in match
Many used Twitter and Facebook to vent their fury, prompting a warning from cops that users can be prosecuted for threatening messages.
More than 2,000 people “liked” a Facebook page called “F*** you Cuneyt Cakir”. Its anonymous creator posted: “I am gonna take a plane tomorrow and find that d******d,” before asking his address.
One poster wrote on the page: “F****** p**** hope u die.”
Their fury was further stoked by a Twitter account in the ref’s name which “follows” Real Madrid and star Cristiano Ronaldo — suggesting he is a fan of the Spanish club. A UEFA spokesman denied the account, which has been running since last July, belonged to Cakir, 36.
The referee, a Turkish insurance broker, dismissed Nani in the 57th minute with Utd 1-0 up and heading for the competition’s last eight. Within 12 minutes they were losing.
Off ... Nani
One fan posted on Twitter: “The united army are coming to attack your receding hairline you daft p****.” Another said: “I actually want the blood of that Turkish referee.”
But others in Manchester city centre were more restrained yesterday.
Season ticket-holder Adam Haworth, 35, said: “The ref was a disgrace. UEFA should punish him.”
IT worker Chris Yates, 36, said: “I hope he’s not daft enough to come back for a while. He’s not welcome.”
Police last night warned fans over sending internet death threats.
A spokesman said: “Sending malicious messages is a criminal offence. If made aware, we will investigate.”
Meanwhile Cakir, a fan of Stephen King horror novels and heavy metal music, refused to comment on the red card as he landed in Istanbul.
United boss Sir Alex Ferguson, 71, was said to be too “distraught” to speak to the media after the defeat at Old Trafford. He now faces UEFA disciplinary action after snubbing TV interviews.
And pals revealed Portuguese Nani rang home in tears. One said: “He was in pieces and kept asking, ‘Did I deserve it? Did I deserve it’?
“It was one of the biggest nights of his life and for it to end like that was heartbreaking for him.”
The seething fan who rang police demanding the ref’s arrest was an 18-year-old from Bingham, Notts.
The teenager, who was not named, later apologised for his actions and was ticked off for wasting police time. He will not face further action.
Traumatised ... Urs Meier
Hide from hate
THE Swiss ref who got death threats after ruling out a “winning” Sol Campbell goal for England in the quarter-finals of Euro 2004 urged Cuneyt Cakir to go into hiding — and get police protection.
Urs Meier is still traumatised by the hate campaign. And he thinks the United backlash will be even worse.
Meier, 54, now retired, said: “Thank God Cakir has left England. He needs to be placed under protection. I got 16,000 emails from England fans. I had to go into hiding in the mountains.”
Sir Alex’s effing fury
UTD boss Sir Alex Ferguson turned the air blue following Nani’s dismissal, The Sun’s lip reader John Cassidy can reveal.
The fiery Scot was spotted saying: “I can’t f****** believe that. How the f*** is that?”
Man United players tried to defend Nani, saying: “He was watching the ball”. But ref Cakir replied: “No he wasn’t — he hit him”.
John studied footage to reveal Fergie saying “You’re a f****** cheat” and “It’s a f****** joke”. Moments later, Fergie has an exchange with rival boss Jose Mourinho.
The Real Madrid manager covers his mouth and says something to which Fergie replies: “I’m sorry, I’m sorry”.
Rage ... Fergie during rant
Photos
More»
Professional model and influencer Lexi Williams
Saturday November 16 2024
Meet the jaw-dropping England and Greece WAGs
Saturday November 16 2024
[PICTURE SPECIAL] Portugal 5 - 1 Poland
Saturday November 16 2024
Your Say