Antony Apologises After Red Card in Real Betis vs Girona Draw

Antony red card headlines a dramatic La Liga encounter as Real Betis and Girona play out a tense draw that leaves both teams with mixed emotions.

Antony Red Card Mars Real Betis’ Pursuit of Top Four

Antony red card drama unfolded late in the weekend’s La Liga clash between Real Betis and Girona, as the Brazilian winger was ejected after a VAR intervention. The former Manchester United player, who joined Betis last January and quickly became a fan favorite, saw his match end in disappointment after an unfortunate incident in the dying minutes.

Attempting to keep a dangerous play alive in Girona’s penalty box, Antony launched an ambitious overhead kick. Unluckily, his boot struck Girona defender Joel Roca squarely in the face, sending the player to the turf in visible pain. Referee Iosu Galech Apezteguia initially issued a yellow card, but VAR review saw the decision upgraded to a straight red, leaving Real Betis to finish the game with ten men and Antony facing an automatic suspension.

Antony Issues Public Apology to Real Betis Faithful

Shortly after the match ended in a draw, Antony took to social media to express his regret. “Very sad about the red card. All I wanted was to help my team win,” he wrote, clarifying that the action was entirely unintentional. The Brazilian emphasized his respect for the supporters, stating, “Sorry to all the fans that have always supported me.” His apology resonated with Betis followers, who have seen Antony’s impressive growth since his move from Manchester United.

Antony’s Progress in Spain and Pellegrini’s Praise

Since arriving at Real Betis, initially on loan, Antony has transformed his game, earning the trust of manager Manuel Pellegrini. As Betis secured his permanent transfer after a successful loan spell, Pellegrini praised Antony’s development: “He’s matured significantly, working hard with and without the ball. He’s made up for his lack of precision with determination and work rate.”

Pellegrini revealed that Antony chose Betis over a tempting offer from Bayern Munich, seeking a fresh start after a challenging stint in England. The manager added, “He wanted revenge against his past performances, and here he found it. Antony is a very good player. I am absolutely sure this is a huge time for him to improve his career.”

Impact of Antony Red Card on Real Betis’ Ambitions

Real Betis remain in fifth place, but the draw against Girona was a missed opportunity, especially since Girona languish in the relegation zone. Dropping two crucial points increased the gap to fourth-placed Atletico Madrid to seven points, posing a significant challenge to Betis’ Champions League aspirations.

The Antony red card means he faces a domestic suspension, likely to rule him out of next weekend’s high-stakes city derby against Sevilla. The minimum ban for a straight red in La Liga is one game, but it could be extended to three depending on the league’s evaluation of the incident. While Betis will miss Antony’s spark in domestic action, he remains eligible for the upcoming Europa League clash against Utrecht, an essential fixture for Betis as they chase a top-eight finish and an automatic passage into the Round of 16.

What’s Next for Antony and Real Betis?

Antony’s absence in domestic action is a blow for a Betis side eager to push for Champions League qualification for the first time since the 2005-06 season. However, his growth on and off the pitch offers hope that he will rebound strongly. The team must now regroup, with key fixtures ahead that will define their campaign.

Opinion: Antony Red Card a Setback, But His Evolution Continues

While the Antony red card is an unfortunate blemish for both the player and Real Betis, it should not overshadow the Brazilian’s overall positive impact since his arrival. His willingness to apologise and accept responsibility demonstrates maturity and a commitment to the club’s values. As Betis strive for a top-four finish, Antony’s continued evolution and ability to learn from setbacks will be crucial. For more news on La Liga developments and team updates, visit for more news.