Betis winger laughs after red card is rescinded – but Real Madrid ‘call decision shameful’

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On-loan Manchester United winger Antony laughed and was congratulated by his Real Betis team-mates during training after being told that he can face Real Madrid – but the reigning Spanish champions are said to be outraged by the development.

Brazil international Antony was dismissed by Alberola Rojas during stoppage time in Betis’ 2-1 win at Getafe on Sunday for a wild-looking tackle on Juan Iglesias, with his one-match ban rescinded on Wednesday morning after Los Verdiblancos successfully appealed.

In a video shared by the club shortly after the decision was announced, the 25-year-old appeared to receive the news while standing next to manager Manuel Pellegrini on the pitch at Betis’ Benito Villamarin Stadium, where they will host Madrid on Saturday (5.30pm GMT).

Antony then shared embraces with coaching staff and several of his team-mates before grinning as Pellegrini, whose former clubs include Madrid and Manchester City, joined in the frivolities.

Antony red card: Madrid ‘call withdrawal shameful’

Madrid’s coaching staff, players and directors were furious when they learned the news after arriving in San Sebastian for the first leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final against Real Sociedad on Wednesday (8.30pm), according to AS.

Via translation, the outlet quoted members of Madrid’s delegation as saying that the move had been made “with the desire to hurt us”.

“They have declared war on us and used all imaginable means, even if they expose the very referees they claim to defend so much,” the report cited Madrid to have responded, adding that they emphatically agree with the initial assessment by Rojas, who ruled that Antony had used excessive force from behind without the possibility of winning the ball.

“We can imagine how Alberola Rojas must feel. Shameful.”

Real Madrid: Ancelotti criticises Tebas

Antony’s reprieve has reportedly added to Madrid’s anger after their game at fifth-placed Villarreal was scheduled for March 15, giving them a day less rest than title rivals Atletico Madrid and Barcelona, who will meet at the Metropolitano Stadium more than 24 hours later.

The reigning champions have been involved in a public row with LaLiga president Javier Tebas, having sent a letter to the Spanish Football Federation this month accusing referees of “manipulation and adulteration”.

Madrid fan Tebas said on Monday, via ESPN, that the club have been “crying” about officials” and creating a “conspiracy theory” in “an insult to the rest of the clubs.”

“Tebas talks about Real Madrid too much,” Blancos manager Ancelotti said on Tuesday. “Since I’ve been here, it’s happened often.

“It’s a lack of respect to millions of Madrid fans to talk like that. The president of LaLiga should focus more on solving the problems that Spanish football has.”

Madrid ‘accuse LaLiga of foolishness’

Madrid feel Tebas has shown a lack of respect to Ancelotti, according to AS. “In 24 hours, we have witnessed what we can call a hunt for everything that smells of Real Madrid,” the delegation reportedly said.

“First, they set us an awful time for the game against Villarreal so that we have less rest than Barca and Atleti and thus favours a bad result [for us] there; then Tebas loses respect for our coach, who is a blessing… and now, the thing with Antony.

“They attack us by land, sea and air. They don’t hold back. Even so, we will fight to the end with pride. We will not bow our heads in the face of such foolishness.”

Antony Betis stats

A peripheral player at United this season, Antony has rediscovered the form that made the 20-time English champions pay £86 million for him since his January move to Betis until the end of the season.

The second-most expensive signing in United’s history has two goals and two assists in his last two LaLiga games and scored in Betis’ Conference League win at Gent.

Seventh-placed Betis are 19 points shy of Madrid, who are a point above Atleti and behind leaders Barca on goal difference.




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