Brentford striker Neal Maupay, who has made a name for himself as the Premier League’s self-proclaimed ‘most disliked player,’ has taken aim at Manchester United’s Antony for his unsporting conduct following the Red Devils’ controversial victory over Coventry City in the FA Cup semi-final.
Antony’s decision to celebrate wildly in front of Coventry’s heartbroken players after United’s penalty shootout win has been met with widespread condemnation, and Maupay is the latest to voice his disgust.
On social media, Maupay posted a clip of Antony’s celebration, along with the caption: ‘Just for the record, not even I would do this.’
Maupay’s criticism adds to the growing chorus of disapproval directed at Antony, who has been accused of lacking respect for his opponents.
The incident has also reignited discussions about the wider issue of sportsmanship in English football, with many pundits and fans expressing concern about the increasing number of unsavory incidents on and off the pitch.
Maupay himself has been involved in several controversial incidents this season, including a clash with Tottenham’s James Maddison over a goal celebration and a collision with Manchester City’s Kyle Walker. However, the Frenchman insists that he would never have stooped to the level of Antony’s celebration under the circumstances.
Antony’s actions have also been criticized by Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag, who described them as ‘inappropriate.’
The incident is a reminder of the importance of sportsmanship in football, and it is hoped that Antony’s behavior will serve as a wake-up call to players and fans alike.
