Manchester United’s Antony has defended his controversial celebration in front of Coventry City players after the FA Cup semi-final win, claiming he was defending his club from ‘provocation.’ The Brazilian ran in front of the Coventry players and cupped his ears following the penalty shootout win, attracting widespread criticism. Former United defender Rio Ferdinand called the incident ’embarrassing,’ while Graeme Souness said it was unbecoming of a Manchester United player. However, Antony insists his reaction was a ‘natural defense of my club’ and claims he was responding after the United fans inside Wembley were ‘provoked’ by Coventry.
‘Coventry proved why they reached the semi-final,’ he posted on X. ‘We seeked this spot in the final for our fans and we achieved. The way our fans were treated by their player was not nice and I, in the heat of the moment, reacted to the provocations in a natural defense of my club!’
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag also suggested that Coventry had provoked the incident, saying Antony ‘should not react like this.’ However, he acknowledged Coventry’s strong performance, especially their comeback in the final 20 minutes.
Antony’s celebration contrasted with that of former Manchester United captain Harry Maguire, who immediately sought to shake hands with the Coventry players. The general feeling from the United squad was relief after they came close to losing to a team 21 places below them in the English football pyramid. Despite United’s collapse, Ten Hag has criticized the reaction as ’embarrassing’ and a ‘disgrace.’ Manchester United will now face holders Manchester City in the FA Cup final, while Coventry will continue their Championship campaign.
It is important to note that Antony’s claims of provocation remain unclear at this time. Further details or clarification may emerge in the future.
