Ferguson losing faith in football

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson claims it is "hard to keep your faith" in football after decisions like Nani's red card on Tuesday.

Ferguson was so furious at Cakir's decision to dismiss Nani for a high tackle on Alvaro Arbeloa that he opted not to attend the mandatory post-match press conference following his side's 2-1 Champions League last 16 defeat to Real Madrid, a move that could incur a fine from UEFA.

It merely confirmed fears the United manager had about Cakir's appointment prior to the game, with the Turkish official having a history of sending off players from English teams.

Ferguson can also look back to a disallowed Paul Scholes goal against Porto in 2004 and Rafael's red card against Bayern Munich in 2010 for other examples of when refereeing decisions have gone against his side, and he admits that is quite dispiriting.

"It's hard to keep your faith when you see what's happened in the last few years," said Ferguson.

"It's the third time we've been knocked out by a referee's decision and it's not easy to take.

"I was concerned before the game. I said that to my staff. I had a big worry about it. But it's gone now. We have to get on with it."