Real Betis winger Antony has expressed his regret to fans after receiving a red card for inadvertently kicking an opponent in the face during the team’s league match against Girona on Sunday.
In the 87th minute, with the score level at 1-1, Antony attempted an overhead kick to control the ball in Girona’s penalty area. However, he missed the ball and struck rival player Joel Roca in the face.
Following a VAR review, referee Iosu Galech Apezteguía upgraded Antony’s initial yellow card to a red card.
As he exited the pitch, Antony made gestures of apology toward the Betis supporters.
Despite being reduced to ten men, Betis managed to secure a draw, but the dismissal means the Brazilian forward will miss the upcoming derby against Sevilla on Sunday.
The 25-year-old shared on Instagram: “I’m very upset about the red card. My only intention was to help my team win. It was a completely unintentional act… I’m sorry to all the fans who have always supported me.”
Since joining Betis permanently from Manchester United in September, Antony has scored six goals in 12 appearances across all competitions.
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Antony had shown promise on loan at Betis during the latter half of last season and has since become a key player in Manuel Pellegrini’s lineup.
Currently sitting fifth in LaLiga, Betis will host Utrecht in the Europa League on Thursday before facing Sevilla in the derby this weekend at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan Stadium.