Manchester United fan rings Nottinghamshire police to report a crime after seeing Cuneyt Cakir send off Nani

A Manchester United fan was so upset with Nani's red card in last night's Champions League defeat to Real Madrid he dialed the emergency 999 number to report it as a crime.

Manchester United fan rings Nottinghamshire police to report a crime after seeing Cuneyt Cakir send off Nani in Real Madrid clash
Guilty as charged: Nani sees red during Manchester United's Champions League defeat to Real Madrid Credit: Photo: GETTY IMAGES

The 18-year-old rang the police to say he was disgusted at Turkish referee Cuneyt Cakir's decision to send-off the United midfielder for a high challenge on Real Madrid's Alvaro Arbeloa.

He later apologised for his actions, claiming to have been caught up in the excitement.

Nottinghamshire police have released a statement reminding people of the folly of wasting police time and resources.

Control room chief inspector Ted Antill said: "While this recent example may be amusing, it illustrates the sort of insincere calls we have to deal with on a daily basis in the Control Room"

"They waste our time and they direct us away from genuine victims of crime, particularly if we dispatch officers out to something that turns out to be a bogus report.

"I would ask people to think before picking up the phone for emergency services. I would also advise parents to ensure your children are aware that prank calls and the reporting of made-up crimes is a crime in itself."

United, who were on top and a goal to the good when Nani saw red, went on to lose the match 2-1 and so were knocked out of the competition at the hands of Jose Mourinho's side.

Uefa have said they will take no action against Cakir despite widespread criticism of his performance.