Antony Discusses Controversial Red Card Ahead of Sevilla Derby

On Monday, following his team’s recovery training session, Brazilian player Antony addressed the incident leading to his expulsion during the match against Girona. The direct red card he received will prevent him from participating in the highly anticipated Sevilla derby this Sunday at Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán, unless the club’s upcoming appeals to various disciplinary committees prove successful.

“I did not have any intention to harm. That’s why we are going to attempt to appeal the decision. I won the ball. When I executed the bicycle kick, I did not see him; I was focused on the ball,” Antony stated to reporters at the Ciudad Deportiva Luis del Sol. He referred to the initial yellow card issued by referee Iosu Galech, which was later upgraded to a red after a review by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR).

“It was very difficult to sleep. I stayed at home thinking about it all night and got very little rest,” Antony admitted. Despite this, he remains optimistic that the legal efforts being undertaken by the club will overturn his expulsion, allowing him to compete against their eternal rivals: “Yes, of course. We have to try. I understand the importance of this match, and I want to play in it.”