Manchester United’s winger Antony was fortunate to avoid a red card after he kicked an opponent during the Premier League game against Brighton and Hove Albion on May 4th.
The Brazilian was back in the starting line-up after being benched in United’s previous game against Aston Villa. He started on his preferred right flank and could have scored in the opening 90 seconds of the match.
The match at the Amex Stadium was a tight affair, with both sides unable to break the deadlock.
The goalkeepers on both teams were called into action to make some top-class saves. The game was also marked by some questionable decisions from referee Andre Marriner, who allowed the game to flow without making major interruptions.
However, the match’s free-flowing nature came at a cost, with both teams feeling frustrated by some of the fouls that went unpunished. Many in the South Coast felt that Casemiro should have been sent off for a second yellow card.
The frustrations were even higher after Antony aimed a petulant kick at Alexis MacAllister in the second half.
Antony’s action was prompted by his belief that he had been held back by MacAllister, and the referee had failed to spot it.
He retaliated by lashing out with a kick, which was clearly intentional. His actions were met with widespread criticism from fans and pundits alike.
Antony’s kick could easily have resulted in a red card, which would have left United down to ten men. It would have also resulted in a significant setback for the club’s pursuit of a top-four finish.
The winger’s actions are not the first time that he has found himself at the center of controversy this season. In February, he was given a four-game ban for using discriminatory language towards an opponent during a Europa League match. The incident highlighted the need for more education and awareness around issues of racism and discrimination in football.
United’s manager, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, was quick to condemn Antony’s actions after the match, stating that he did not condone violent behavior on the pitch. He also expressed his disappointment that the referee had not taken stronger action against some of the fouls committed during the match.
The incident has once again raised questions about the role of referees in modern football and the need for greater consistency in decision-making.
Many fans and pundits have called for the introduction of VAR in the Premier League, which would allow officials to review incidents and make more accurate decisions.
However, others argue that VAR has not been successful in reducing controversy and has led to delays in game time.
They also point out that referees should be given more support and training to help them make better decisions on the pitch.
Regardless of the debate around VAR, it is clear that players must take responsibility for their actions on the pitch.
Antony’s kick was a clear example of violent behavior that has no place in football. The incident should serve as a reminder to all players of the need to show respect and sportsmanship towards their opponents.
As for Manchester United, the club will need to ensure that their players are held accountable for their actions and that they continue to promote a culture of respect and fair play. With several important matches coming up, including a Europa League final against Villarreal, there is no room for complacency.
The Video Assistant Referee was content with Marriner’s decision to award just a yellow card.
The former Ajax man was then hooked off, with Jadon Sancho taking his place. Brighton’s skipper, Lewis Dunk also got booked in the game.
Antony’s woes were compounded when Luke Shaw handled the ball inside his own penalty area deep into stoppage time, with Mac Allister stepping up to score the resultant penalty.
The defeat meant the Seagulls completed a season double over United and got their revenge for the FA Cup semi-final defeat.
How Brighton beat Man United
Sports Brief also reported on Brighton getting revenge against United for the FA Cup semi-final loss, with Mac Allister scoring from the spot in the dying seconds.
A classy Seagulls side dominated the possession but lacked a cutting edge until Shaw’s handball deep into injury time gave them a chance to claim all three points.
The result leaves United in fourth place in the Premier League with five games to play – only four points clear of Liverpool, while Brighton are now up to sixth place.