Antony Discusses Controversial Red Card Ahead of Sevilla Derby

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

“I had no intention of causing harm. That’s why we’re going to attempt an appeal. I was focused on the ball when I executed the overhead kick and didn’t see him there,” Antony stated to reporters at Ciudad Deportiva Luis del Sol. He further remarked that the decision was influenced by VAR, noting that referee Iosu Galech initially issued a yellow card before changing it to a red after reviewing the play.

“It was tough to sleep last night. I stayed at home thinking about it and hardly slept at all,” he admitted. Despite this, Antony remains optimistic that the club’s legal team can successfully argue for overturning the expulsion, allowing him to participate in the crucial match against their eternal rivals: “Yes, of course. We have to try. I understand the significance of this game, and I want to play.”