Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson says he can understand why defender Nemanja Vidic was sent off during the victory over Otelul Galati.
Vidic was shown a straight red by German referee Felix Brych for a challenge on Gabriel Giurgiu in the second half of the 2-0 win in Romania.
Ferguson said: "I can understand the referee's interpretation.
"Maybe it's a bit different in Germany but I thought it was a little harsh. It was certainly a booking."
Vidic, who was returning to the United side after a spell on the sidelines with a calf injury, will receive an automatic one-match ban.
However, as was the case with Wayne Rooney's suspension for next summer's Europan Championship, Uefa could increase the 29-year-old's punishment to two or three matches, meaning he could miss the remaining Group C games.
Ferguson added: "I've looked at it and his foot is certainly high."
But the decision irritated United midfielder Michael Carrick, who claimed: "It was a dubious sending-off at best really and we're disappointed with that."
The win in Bucharest, courtesy of two second-half Rooney penalties, gave United their first Champions League success of the season following draws in their opening two group games against Benfica and FC Basel.
"I don't think we were lucky. We were the better team," said Ferguson.
"We dominated possession and improved in the second half, particularly through Nani, Anderson and Rooney. Those three players changed the game.
"I wasn't concerned at half-time but I knew what I needed to say to the players.
"We had possession but we didn't have any penetration. We needed more of that and, in the second half, we played Rooney further up the field. That made a difference.
"We are pleased after drawing the first two games. That created a certain pressure but we acquired a victory tonight and we're happy with that.
"They are a very hard-working and organised team. Their coach [former Romania midfielder] Dorinel Munteanu should be pleased. It's not easy to chase the ball all night and they should take credit for that."
