Former Manchester United winger Antony found himself at the centre of another refereeing controversy after appearing to headbutt an opponent during Real Betis' Europa League clash with Utrecht on Thursday evening.
Controversial Clash Escapes Punishment
The incident occurred in the 21st minute of the league phase match when Antony chased a loose ball on the wing and was challenged by Utrecht's left back Souffian El Karouani. The two players had already clashed several times during the match when they battled for possession again, with El Karouani appearing to grab hold of the Brazilian winger.
In response, Antony appeared to glance at the defender before aiming a headbutt in his direction. El Karouani, who ironically has been linked with a move to Real Betis this week, went down clutching his head following the contact.
Despite the apparent nature of the incident, the referee opted against sanctioning Antony, and the decision was upheld after a VAR review. The officiating team cleared the Brazilian's actions, allowing him to remain on the pitch.
From Controversy to Contribution
Utrecht's frustration with the decision intensified when Antony set up Cucho Hernandez for Real Betis' opening goal in the match. The Spanish side doubled their lead through Abde Ezzalzouli in the 50th minute, though they had lost their talisman Isco to injury in the first half.
Utrecht managed to pull a goal back with an extraordinary effort from the halfway line by Miguel Rodriguez, but Betis held on to claim a 2-1 victory that moved them up to fifth in the Europa League standings.
Emotional Aftermath and Suspension Woes
Post-match, an emotional Antony bemoaned news that he will be suspended for Betis' crucial derby against Sevilla on Sunday. This suspension comes after he was sent off in the final minute of their 1-1 draw with Girona last week.
In that incident, Antony was dismissed after kicking a Girona player in the face as he attempted an overhead kick in the box. He was initially shown a yellow card by the referee, which was upgraded to red after VAR recommended an on-pitch review.
An initial appeal by Betis against Antony's three-match ban has been rejected, with the club reportedly now having appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
'For me it's a very sad moment because I'm coming off a sending-off where there was no intention of anything, but well, this week was very tough,' Antony said tearfully after the Utrecht match.
'I know there are many games ahead, but I know the importance of this one and I'm leaving a little sad and angry because I wanted to be there on Sunday, but I'll be with my teammates.'
The Brazilian added: 'For me, it's the most important game of the year, and not being able to play it is very tough. It's going to be very difficult. It's been a very hard week.'
