[browna]

Not watching the game, but from the GIF, I think the fact that Nani turned his head toward the player probably in the refs eyes it looked intentional.

Of course, that head turn was also was more or less following the path of the ball in, and likley also the defender coming out of the corner of his eye.

If you avoid watching the ball, and just watch Nani's head, you see what I mean. If that's what the ref saw, ,or just saw Nani's head in the split second it was facing the defender, just before impact, it looks like a red.

Otherwise, not a red for intent...but cleats up above the waist is always a gray area.