Real Betis are reportedly poised to lodge an official appeal, challenging the red card shown to Manchester United loanee Antony on Sunday.
Antony was given his marching orders in the dying embers of Betis’ meeting with Getafe at Estadio Coliseum.
The Brazilian had little hope of getting the ball back when he slid into a challenge with Juan Iglesias. The referee deemed that the tackle was excessive and instructed Antony to instantly leave the pitch.
He wasn’t the only one to be sent off, with Getafe’s Domingos Duarte shown a second yellow just two minutes later.
Despite the red card, Antony produced another sensational performance, the highlight of which was a brilliant assist for Betis’ opening goal. The United star ran half the length of the pitch, dodging a few tackles, before he slipped the ball into the path of Isco. The Betis n.o 22 made no mistake as he expertly found the back of the net.
Betis boss Manuel Pellegrini said about the red card [via 90min], “It will be unfortunate to lose him for the next game, but it will also serve as a learning experience for him.”
“He has enormous talent, we hope he continues like this.”
Now, Spanish news outlet Marca reports that Betis will appeal Antony’s red card in a bid to make him available for their upcoming clash against Real Madrid.
According to the newspaper, “Having reviewed the television images and the match report signed by referee Alberola Rojas, Betis have decided to present allegations to the Disciplinary Committee of the Royal Spanish Football Federation for the direct red card shown to the Brazilian Antony in the final stretch of the match that the Verdiblancos played yesterday against Getafe at the Coliseum.”
“The Manchester United loanee was sent off, according to the referee, for ‘going behind an opponent without the possibility of contesting the ball, using excessive force.’”
“However, the television footage from Movistar LaLiga TV seems to make it clear that the Brazilian barely touched Juan Iglesias and even drew his legs in to avoid touching the Getafe player.”
Antony’s sending-off vs. Getafe was the first straight red card he has received in his entire professional career, but he has been dismissed for two yellow cards on two previous occasions.
Featured image Aitor Alcalde via Getty Images
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Derick Kinoti
Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the game extensively for many years. He is a keen analyst with expertise in SEO and journalism standards. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!
