Antony's red card has been overturned. The 25-year-old Brazilian received a late red card on Sunday during Real Betis' 2-1 victory over Getafe. However, La Liga's disciplinary committee has now ruled it was unjustified.
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Real Betis secured an important 2-1 victory over Getafe, but the match was not without controversy.
In stoppage time, Brazilian winger Antony was shown a direct red card for a tackle on Juanmi, a decision that immediately sparked debate. Replays showed that the forward had pulled his leg back at the last moment, making only minimal contact with the Getafe player. Despite this, the referee deemed the challenge serious enough to warrant an immediate sending-off, leaving Real Betis furious with the decision.
Following the incident, the club wasted no time in lodging an appeal with La Liga’s disciplinary committee, arguing that the red card was an unjust punishment. Their argument was based on the fact that Antony made a clear attempt to withdraw from the challenge and that there was no excessive force involved. On Wednesday morning, Real Betis received confirmation that the appeal had been successful, and the red card had been overturned. This means Antony will not have to serve a suspension and will be available for selection in Saturday’s highly anticipated clash against Real Madrid.
This decision comes as a major boost for Real Betis, who are currently seventh in La Liga and fighting to secure a European qualification spot. Antony has been a key figure for the team since joining on loan from Manchester United in the January transfer window. The 25-year-old winger has already made an impact, scoring two goals and providing two assists in just four league matches. His dribbling ability, speed, and creativity have added a new dimension to Betis' attacking play, making him an important asset for head coach Manuel Pellegrini.
The upcoming fixture against Real Madrid is crucial for Betis, as they look to maintain their strong form and challenge the teams above them in the standings. With Madrid currently in the hunt for the league title, Betis will need all their key players available if they are to compete with Carlo Ancelotti’s side. Antony’s presence will provide Pellegrini with an extra attacking option and give the team a much-needed boost in confidence ahead of the tough challenge.
Since his arrival from Manchester United, Antony has shown glimpses of the talent that made him one of the most exciting wingers in Europe. His loan move to Betis was seen as an opportunity for him to regain form and confidence after a difficult spell in the Premier League. So far, he has adapted well to Spanish football, demonstrating his ability to take on defenders and create goal-scoring opportunities. His quick feet and agility make him a constant threat in one-on-one situations, and his link-up play with teammates has already produced results on the pitch.
With the red card now rescinded, Antony will be eager to make his mark in one of the biggest games of the season for Real Betis. The clash against Real Madrid will be a true test of his ability to perform on the big stage, and a strong performance could further establish him as a key player for the club. For Betis, having Antony available could make the difference in what promises to be an intense and high-stakes encounter at the Estadio Benito Villamarín.
Updated: 11:57, 26 Feb 2025
