Antony Discusses Red Card Incident Ahead of Sevilla Derby

On Monday, following his team’s recovery training session, Brazilian player Antony elaborated on the incident that led to his expulsion during the match against Girona. The direct red card he received will prevent him from participating in the first Sevilla derby of the season at the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán on Sunday, unless the club’s appeals to various disciplinary committees prove successful.

“I had no intention of causing harm. That’s why we will attempt to appeal the decision. I made contact with the player while executing a bicycle kick; I was focused on the ball and didn’t see him,” Antony stated to reporters at the Ciudad Deportiva Luis del Sol. He referred to the VAR’s role in the situation, noting that referee Iosu Galech initially issued a yellow card but changed it to red after reviewing the play.

“It was tough to sleep. I spent the night at home thinking about it, and I hardly slept at all,” Antony admitted. However, he remains hopeful that the legal team’s efforts will overturn the expulsion, allowing him to compete against the eternal rivals of the verdiblancos: “Yes, of course. We have to try. I understand the significance of this match and I want to play in it.”