Antony’s Regret Over Red Card Incident
Antony, the winger for Real Betis, has publicly expressed regret after receiving a red card in a match against Girona on Sunday, a decision that was reached only after a video review. Late in the game, with the score level at 1-1, the 25-year-old attempted an overhead kick within the penalty area. Unfortunately, his aim went awry, and his foot inadvertently struck Joel Roca in the face. Initially sanctioned with a yellow card, the call was amended to red following the VAR assessment by referee Iosu Galech Apezteguía.
Impact on the Team and Upcoming Matches
As he exited the field, Antony made gestures of remorse towards the fans of Betis, recognizing the impact of his actions on the match. Despite the unfortunate incident, his team managed to secure a draw, yet Antony’s dismissal means he will be sidelined for the crucial derby against Sevilla this coming Sunday.
Antony’s Emotional Response
In an emotional Instagram post, Antony shared his sorrow, stating, “I am very sad about the red card. All I wanted was to help my team win. It was a completely unintentional move… I apologize to all the fans who have always supported me.”
Since moving to Betis permanently from Manchester United in September, Antony has made a significant impact, scoring six goals across 12 matches.
Current Standing and Future Prospects
His tenure at Betis began brightly after a strong loan stint last season, solidifying his place in coach Manuel Pellegrini’s squad. As things stand, Real Betis sits fifth in LaLiga and looks forward to their upcoming Europa League match against Utrecht before the anticipated local derby at Sevilla’s Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan stadium.