Madrid – The referee who controversially sent-off Manchester United winger Nani in their 2-1 defeat to Real Madrid on Tuesday has claimed he still believes he made the right decision.
Cuneyt Cakir showed the Portuguese international the red card for a foul on Alvaro Arbeloa 11 minutes into the second-half with United 1-0 up on the night and leading 2-1 on aggregate.
However, two goals in 13 minutes after the incident swung the tie decisively in Madrid's favour and left United boss Sir Alex Ferguson and many of his players furious at the final whistle.
“I feel fine and don't doubt my decisions,” the Turkish official told Spanish sports daily AS.
“The red card shown to Nani was correct. The world will recognise the truth with time.”
Since Tuesday some of Cakir's previous decisions that have also affected English clubs in European competition have been questioned.
The 36-year-old also sent-off Chelsea captain John Terry in their Champions League semifinal against Barcelona last season and Mario Balotelli whilst the Italian was playing for Manchester City against Dynamo Kiev in 2011.
However, he insists all those decisions were also correct.
“In the previous matches with English teams there was no unjust decision.
“What decision was incorrect? The red shown to Terry or Balotelli? I don't think I have made a mistake in showing cards or sending players off.”
Cakir insisted though that the furore won't affect him moving forward.
“I doesn't make me very sad, I just don't think about it.
“I have received more criticism on previous occasions, but I have always got back up and come back.
“I can do so again. I try to do my job correctly and I am doing well. I need to continue like this. I do my job perfectly.” – Sapa-AFP