In the 5th match of the Europa League group stage between Real Betis and Ultrecht in the early morning of November 28 (Vietnam time), when the score was 0-2, the home team launched an attack on the right wing in the 21st minute for Antony to use his speed.
However, defender El Karouani followed Antony very closely, making it impossible for the Brazilian striker to break free. Antony suddenly headbutted El Karouani in the face, causing the Dutch defender to fall to the ground in pain, clutching his face.
Antony fiercely contested with El Karouani in an attack on the right wing of Real Betis (Photo: Getty).
The Brazilian striker appeared to headbutt the Ultrecht defender in the face (Photo: Getty).
Remarkably, the referee stopped the match to check on El Karouani, but Antony did not receive a red card for his headbutt.
VAR also reviewed it, but they did not consider it worthy of a red card, which left the Utrecht players stunned. "He was looking straight at Karouani before the headbutt. It was intentional and deserved a red card. Why did VAR miss it?" one fan commented on Antony's headbutt.
"How could a red card have been avoided? Didn't the referee see that he clearly tried to headbutt his opponent?", one fan added.
However, many fans also spoke up to defend Antony and agreed that the referee's decision not to give him a red card was correct. "Red cards only happen in the bad Spanish league, not in European leagues. Football is always about collisions and disputes, not to mention if you put your hand in the opponent's face, they will fall down," one fan declared.
Utrecht players' anger at Antony escaping a red card was compounded when the Brazilian set up Cucho Hernandez for the opener in Real Betis' 2-1 win over Ultrecht. The win moved Real Betis up to fifth in the table and within one point of Lyon at the top of the table.
Antony received a red card in a La Liga match last weekend after hooking the ball into his opponent's face (Photo: EPA).
Notably, Antony was shown a red card last week after a hook hit his opponent in the face. The Brazilian striker cried after learning he would be suspended for Real Betis' derby against Sevilla this weekend.
"For me, it's a very sad moment because I just had a match without any intention, but this week has been really difficult."
I know there are still many games to come, but I know the importance of this game and I feel a little sad and angry because I want to be there on Sunday, but I will be with my teammates.
"The sending off affected me because of the importance of the next match. I had envisioned having to play a derby away from home, but I will be there to give them the energy to win all three points," Antony said about his suspension for the match against Sevilla on November 30.
Source: https://dantri.com.vn/the-thao/tranh-cai-antony-thoat-the-do-sau-man-thiet-dau-cong-ha-guc-doi-thu-20251128145812222.htm
Comment (0)