Sir Alex seethes and sees red as Manchester United go out.

Manchester United are out of the UEFA Champions League after a home defeat by two goals to one at Old Trafford.  Real Madrid scored twice in the second half coming from a goal down, and won 3-2 on aggregate.  The turning point was the red card shown to Nani after his foot went into the chest of Real Madrid's Arbeloa. United were one nil up at the time.  Nani was a surprise choice to play in this crucial game, which marked Ryan Giggs' 1,000th appearance for United. Rooney was on the bench , another surprise, until well into the second half when United were losing.  Nani had played well in the goalless first half, but his night ended in disaster. Sir Alex was seething and did not speak to the press or TV channels after the match.

Roy Keane believed that the referee Cuneyt Cakir had made the correct decision in awarding the red card but other commentators thought that a yellow card should have been given.  Sir Alex will probably not sleep sweetly tonight. But Jose Mourinho will enjoy his success along with Cristiano Ronaldo who scored the final goal which ensured Real's progression into the quarter finals. Luka Modric scored the other goal for Real, which was a superbly struck against the inside of the right post and beyond the goal line. No United player managed to score as Sergio Ramos scored an own goal for United.

Bashar al-Assad continues to oppress the Syrian people

Despite so much opposition, a dreadful refugee situation and thousands dead from the civil conflict, Bashar al-Assad refuses to step aside and talk to the rebels.  He is unwilling to meet rebel leaders unless they lay down their arms.  Now that's "naive, confused and unrealistic."  Words he used to describe Britain's position and support for opposition fighters with non-lethal aid.  The US is also committed to providing food and medical aid to the opposition.  Sadly many more Syrians will die in this conflict, which does not seem to trouble Bashar.