Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon defends Angel di Maria

Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon has stated that Angel di Maria's sending-off against Arsenal was out of character.

The Manchester United midfielder was dismissed in the second half of Monday night's FA Cup quarter-final defeat to the Gunners after picking up two quick bookings, the second for pulling the shirt of referee Michael Oliver.

When asked if the Argentine showed such a temper in Spain, Calderon told BBC Sport: "No he wasn't like that, I was really surprised to know what he did.

"He was a really good player with good behaviour here, never anything like this. Maybe he's a bit nervous because up to now his change (to Manchester United) hasn't been the right one.

"I know him, he's not a player who does things like that and I'm sure he will be regretting it."

Di Maria joined United from Real Madrid for £59.7m in August.