Uefa has opened disciplinary proceedings against Manchester United following their controversial Champions League defeat by Real Madrid on Tuesday night.

The European football governing body will be taking action over United winger Nani’s red card and the non-fulfilment of post-match media obligations at Old Trafford, it has confirmed.

United were frustrated by the decision to send the Portuguese international off for a clash which appeared to be an accidental kick at Real defender Alvaro Arbeloa.

The Reds were leading 1-0 at the time and were in the ascendency.

However, the Spanish giants went on to win 2-1, sealing their place in the quarter-finals of the competition.

Rules are rules

After the match United boss Sir Alex Ferguson refused to speak to the press, with his assistant Mike Phelan claiming he was too ‘distraught’ to speak.

The Champions League rule book says managers have to speak to the media after every match.

And today, Uefa released a short statement, confirming disciplinary proceedings were underway against the club regarding the two incidents.

“The case will be dealt with by the Uefa Control and Disciplinary Body on Thursday 21 March,” it read, according to BBC Sport.

Surrounded

However, the statement makes no mention of United defender Rio Ferdinand, who sarcastically applauded Turkish referee Cuneyt Cakir on the pitch immaterially after the match, as players surrounded the officials.

Uefa released a statement earlier today, insisting it had no issues regarding Cakir’s performance.

“There are no issues for us regarding the sending off,” said a Uefa spokesman.

Ferguson is due to speak with the press this Friday ahead of United’s FA Cup Quarter-final with Chelsea.