Antony spotted taunting rival fans during suspension

Manchester United’s attacking clear-out under Ruben Amorim and INEOS has already claimed some big names, and few illustrate the scale of the reset better than Antony.

United paid around £85 million to bring him in from Ajax back in 2022, only to make a loss three years later with his permanent move to Real Betis worth roughly £25 million, including add-ons and a hefty sell-on clause.

From a United perspective, it’s a dramatic loss on an asset who produced just 17 goal contributions in 96 appearances before being unwanted in Amorim’s new-look attacking line.

But in Seville, the Brazilian has looked far more like the winger Reds fans thought they were getting from Ajax.

After making his successful loan spell permanent, Antony has become a key player on the right for Manuel Pellegrini’s side, finally delivering consistent end products.

Across all competitions this season, Antony has six goals and three assists in 13 appearances for Betis, a strong return that reflects his greater confidence and freedom in LaLiga after his initial loan spell.

That momentum, however, led straight into controversy.

In Betis’ recent draw with Girona, Antony was sent off in stoppage time when an attempted overhead kick caught Joel Roca in the face.

Initially unpunished, the incident was upgraded to a straight red card after a VAR review, leaving the winger devastated and suspended for the following league game, the fiercely anticipated Seville derby away to Sevilla.

Despite being banned, Antony still made headlines on derby day.

The Sun has reported that the former United winger was watching from a box at the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan when Sevilla fans spotted him.

Footage showed Antony shouting back and gesturing animatedly towards the home support, appearing to taunt sections of the crowd.

In response, some Sevilla fans hurled bottles and other objects towards the window of his box, further inflaming an already hostile atmosphere.

On the pitch, Betis secured a 2-0 win thanks to goals from Pablo Fornals and Sergi Altimira, but the game was briefly suspended late on after Isaac Romero’s red card and further missiles thrown from the stands, before play eventually resumed.

The result lifted Betis up to fifth in La Liga with Sevilla stuck in 13th as Antony’s new side continue to fight to keep their run of European football.