Real Madrid advanced to the quarterfinals after a 2-1 win over Manchester United, but the victory and celebrations were marred by a controversial call on the pitch.
During the second half, Manchester's Nani and Madrid's Alvaro Arbeloa battled for a loose ball. Nani went into Arbeloa with a high kick was subsequently punished with a red card by referee Cuneyt Cakir. Prior to the red card, Madrid was down 1-0 and was continuously stifled by an aggressive Manchester defense. After the card, Madrid scored twice and frustrated a potent Manchester side.
ESPN analyst Mark Payne stated that the call was a "travesty" and added that the viewers and fans of the sport "will know that Manchester United were the better team here. A travesty of a result, United will need to pick themselves up for the league."
After the game, Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson sent his assistant Mike Phelan to face the media. "I don't think the manager is in any fit state to talk to the referee about the decision. It speaks volumes that I am sat here and not the manager of this fantastic football club," said Phelan. "We all witnessed a decision that seemed very harsh, possibly incredible at that moment in the game."
Surprisingly, not everyone was in agreement with this assessment. Former Manchester United captain Roy Keane stated that referees made the correct call. "The referee has made the right call," Keane told ITV Sport after the match. "It's dangerous play, it's a red card. He knows there are other footballers on the pitch and to be fair to the referee, he took a few minutes, spoke to his assistant and decided it was a red card."
Keane added, "I don't think the referee made the decision because he waited a couple of minutes while one of the players was getting treatment and I think it was the assistant that made the call. Whatever people are getting upset about it, but I think he made the right call."
Was it the right call? What do you think?
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