Antony defends controversial celebration aimed at Coventry City stars in social media statement | OneFootball

Manchester United winger Antony has finally broken his silence on his controversial celebration during the club’s FA Cup semi-final win against Coventry City over the weekend.

United progressed to their second successive FA Cup final where they will face Manchester City once again, after overcoming Coventry on penalties.

The Red Devils had a commanding 3-0 lead with 20 minutes of regular team left on the clock but capitulated in extraordinary fashion and allowed Mark Robins’ men to restore parity and force the game into extra time.

Coventry thought they had won when Victor Torp found the back of the net in the 121st minute but luckily for United, the goal was ruled out due to an offside in the build-up. The 20-time English champions eventually prevailed in the ensuing penalty shootout despite Casemiro missing the opening striker.

The manner of the victory left a lot to be desired, which could be seen in just how quickly the fans bolted out of Wembley immediately after the final whistle.

The team’s mental fragility was highlighted by Antony, whose antics were embarrassing to say the least. As soon as Rasmus Hojlund buried the decisive penalty the Brazilian turned to the Coventry players and cupped his ears while visibly taunting them. His reaction couldn’t have been any more different for Harry Maguire, who shook hands with the Championship stars to congratulate them on their gallant efforts.

During his presser ahead of United’s Premier League clash vs. Sheffield United on Wednesday, Ten Hag was asked about the Antony situation. The Dutch coach explained that the 24-year-old was provoked by the Coventry players and that’s why he acted the way he did.

Ten Hag said, “Did you see the reaction of Harry Maguire? He was provoked, that’s why this was a reaction of that, you haven’t seen the provocation, only the reaction. But he should not do it.”

“I have seen Harry Maguire straight after and others, we should acknowledge the performance of Coventry coming to that final and the comeback we are 70 mins totally dominating the game by far and 3-0 must have been the game is closed but the return from their side was very good.”

Antony took to social media to give his own account of what actually transpired.

The former Ajax man wrote on X (formerly Twitter), “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!”

Antony’s statement is likely to do very little with regard to appeasing supporters, especially considering how poor he’s been all season.

With Marcus Rashford a doubt for the match against the Blades tomorrow, Antony has a strong chance to potentially be included in Ten Hag’s starting XI.

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