Former Manchester United winger Antony avoided a red card despite appearing to headbutt an opponent during Real Betis's Europa League clash with Utrecht on Thursday night. The incident occurred after 21 minutes when Antony and Utrecht left-back Souffian El Karouani clashed while battling for possession. The Brazilian seemed to aim a headbutt at his marker, who immediately fell to the ground clutching his head.
Despite the confrontation, the referee took no action on the pitch, and a VAR review also cleared Antony of any wrongdoing. Utrecht were left frustrated, particularly as Antony later provided the assist for Cucho Hernandez's opening goal. Betis doubled their lead through Abde Ezzalzouli in the 50th minute, before Miguel Rodriguez pulled one back for Utrecht with a stunning strike from inside his own half.
The result maintained Betis's unbeaten start in the Europa League, keeping them in the qualification spots. Antony had been sent off in his previous match against Girona for kicking an opponent in the face while attempting an overhead kick. That red card carried a three-match ban, which Betis attempted to appeal unsuccessfully. The club are now considering a further appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
