Antony has said his reaction to Manchester United’s penalty shootout victory over Coventry City in the FA Cup semi-final was a “reaction to provocations”.
The 24-year-old Brazil international reacted to team-mate Rasmus Hojlund’s winning penalty by cupping his ears in the direction of the players from Championship side Coventry.
Antony said on Tuesday that his reaction was “in the heat of the moment” and came after a provocation from his opponents, although he did not name any player.
“Coventry proved why they reached the semi-final,” Antony posted on his social media account, in a statement that was not instructed by United.
Coventry proved why they reached the semi-final. We seeked this spot in the final for our fans and we achieved. The way our fans were treated by their player was not nice and I, in the heat of the moment, i’ve reacted to the provocations in a natural defense of my club! https://t.co/y3cz3UhzXf
— Antony Santos (@antony00) April 23, 2024
“We seeked this spot in the final for our fans and we achieved (it). The way our fans were treated by their player was not nice and I, in the heat of the moment, I’ve reacted to the provocations in a natural defense of my club!”
Speaking on Tuesday at his press conference, Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag said of Antony’s celebration: “He was provoked and that was a reaction of that, you haven’t seen the provocation only the reaction. But he should not do it.”
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Antony was the only United player who reacted in such a manner, with his team-mate Harry Maguire among those United players who shook the hands of their opponents and commiserated them.
It came at the conclusion of a dramatic semi-final in which United had appeared to be on course for a straightforward victory after Scott McTominay, Harry Maguire and Bruno Fernandes all scored.
However, Coventry launched a fightback with Ellis Simms and Callum O’Hare both scoring before Haji Wright’s injury-time equaliser from the penalty spot.
Coventry believed they had won the game at the end of extra-time through Viktor Torp, but the goal was disallowed following a VAR intervention for offside.
United subsequently won the penalty shootout 4-2 to advance through to the final against Manchester City.
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(Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
