Man Utd loanee Antony sent off for ridiculous challenge in Real Betis match
Antony has enjoyed an excellent start to life on loan at Real Betis, but the winger was in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons after producing a horrendous challenge in the side’s 2-1 win over Getafe this evening.
The Manchester United loanee played a significant role in the opening goal of the game, setting off on a jinking run from deep inside Betis’ half before assisting Isco with a pinpoint pass.
Former Real Madrid man Isco scored from the penalty spot to double Betis’ lead in the 77th minute, with the visitors cruising towards a comfortable victory at Getafe’s Estadio Coliseum.
But there was late drama in the La Liga contest as Borja Mayoral struck from close range to reduce the deficit, before both Domingos Duarte and Antony were given their marching orders in stoppage time.
Duarte was the first to be shown a red card by Javier Alberola Rojas and Antony soon followed the Getafe defender down the tunnel after a mindless tackle on Juan Iglesias.
After losing possession in an innocuous position the touchline, the Brazilian forward raced after Iglesias and lunged at the centre-back from behind, some time after the ball had been played.
Antony appeared resigned to his fate as he looked sheepishly in the direction of referee Rojas, before giving the official a thumbs up as he made his way off the field.
The sending off means Antony will be suspended for Betis’ next match against champions Real Madrid, who trail Barcelona only on goal difference at the top.
Since completing a temporary move from Old Trafford at Betis, Antony has racked up two goals and two assists in his four opening league matches for Manuel Pellegrini’s side.
The 24-year-old also found the net with a superb long-range strike in Betis’ 3-0 win over Gent in the Europa Conference League.
Betis’ defeat of Getafe saw Antony and Co leapfrog Mallorca and Real Sociedad in the table, with the club level on points with sixth-placed Rayo Vallecano.
‘The most important thing is that I have found myself again,’ Antony said ahead of Betis’ trip to Getafe.
‘I am happy to be enjoying myself every day. Things go well when we are well, happy, content… In four games I have scored three goals and gave an assist. I expected it and I didn’t expect it.
‘I have worked mentally and physically to get to this moment. I am very happy about that.
‘When I was in England I continued working mentally and physically I was also feeling well. I was preparing for this moment. Now, I am very happy to be enjoying and living an incredible moment.’
The Brazil international added: ‘I wasn’t playing much, but I’ve been working hard. I needed to be happy with myself. The best version of being happy with myself is the most important thing. I played very little in Manchester, but I’m grateful to them and also to the coach, who spoke to me.
‘I have a lot of friends who played here and they left me very calm so that I could sign here. I was sure in my heart that coming here was the best decision for me. I hope to continue like this.
‘I’ve had a great time in Manchester too, I won two titles and I’m very grateful. But when I say that I’ve found myself here, I’m happy, the people are like us in Brazil.
‘The sun helps a lot. I’m very happy here. I wake up every day with a smile and that’s very important.’