Former Manchester United winger Antony has publicly addressed the incident that saw him receive a red card during Real Betis's La Liga encounter with Girona on Sunday.
The Incident and Immediate Aftermath
The 25-year-old Brazilian was dismissed in the latter stages of the match after his attempt at an overhead kick to control the ball inadvertently connected with the face of Girona's Joel Roca. The on-field decision was confirmed following a review by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR).
The match, which took place after the November international break, saw Girona take a surprise lead through Vladyslav Vanat. Real Betis managed to equalise via a goal from Valentin Gomez, but the decisive winning goal eluded both sides. Antony's sending-off cast a shadow over the hosts' persistent efforts to find a winner.
Antony's Personal Response
Taking to his Instagram story after the game, Antony expressed his remorse. In a message translated from Spanish, he wrote: "Very sad about the red card! All I wanted was to help my team win!" He explicitly stated that the play was "a completely unintentional play" and apologised to the supporters who have backed him, saying, "Sorry to all the fans who have always supported me!"
The dismissal means Antony now faces a mandatory suspension, interrupting what has been a positive start to his permanent stint with the Spanish club. This season, he has made a strong impact, scoring four goals and providing one assist in his nine La Liga appearances.
Broader Context and Future Implications
The incident and the fans' reaction—reportedly applauding him as he left the pitch—highlight a stark contrast to his challenging period at Manchester United. It suggests he is finding a more welcoming environment in Seville.
Interestingly, the transfer saga surrounding the player took another twist with revelations from Bayern Munich. The German club's sporting director, Christoph Freund, confirmed to Sky Germany that Antony was among the players they considered in the summer. "We were involved with several players, Antony was one of them," Freund stated. "There was also a conversation, but that is in the past." Ultimately, Antony chose to return to Real Betis, where he continues his career.
