Ferguson, Nani prepare to face UEFA ruling

Posted Thursday, March 21, 2013 by Foxsports.com

Sir Alex Ferguson and Nani will discover what punishments they face from the fall-out of Manchester United's Champions League exit to Real Madrid on Thursday.

Nani will definitely get a one-match suspension for the red card he picked up for a high tackle on Alvaro Arbeloa.

UEFA do have the power to increase that ban, although given the dismissal was widely viewed as being exceptionally harsh, it would be a surprise if it was extended.

Ferguson is in hot water after failing to attend the mandatory post-match press conference, an offence which in extreme cases can bring a touchline ban.

The United boss was furious with Turkish referee Cuneyt Cakir over the red-card which he felt swung the tie in Real's favour.

Red Devils assistant-manager Mike Phelan said at the time Ferguson was too "distraught" to face the media.

Ferguson subsequently said it was "hard to keep faith" in the face of such incidents, and that it was the third time during his tenure United had been knocked out of the Champions League as a direct result of what he felt were poor decisions.

In addition to a touchline suspension, Ferguson could also be fined or warned about his future conduct.