Ex-referee Dermot Gallagher has given his verdict on Antony’s antics during the closing stages of Sunday’s damaging Manchester derby defeat at Old Trafford.
Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United were outplayed in the second half and Antony, who looked frustrated when he wasn’t called upon sooner from the bench, had a kick out at Jeremy Doku.
The Belgian winger had the ball in the corner flag and the Brazilian, who joined the club from Ajax last summer, attempted a rather wild kick against the winger and Doku pulled him up on the decision.
Well, Gallagher, speaking on Sky Sports News‘ Ref Watch gave his verdict on the incident that Gary Neville called embarrassing on Sky commentary.
Gallagher’s verdict
“I think it was a very very unwise thing to do,” Gallagher said. “(There was) No intent to go for the ball. The Man City player has done him a massive favour. If he ends up on the ground everything changes. He’s a very lucky boy.”
The attempt of a tackle by Antony was certainly reckless but the winger often wears his heart on his sleeve and he was clearly frustrated about not being summoned onto the pitch sooner.
In fact, the Brazilian brought some much-needed passion to the team and was one of the few players who brought some fight into the team.
Antony’s passion
As mentioned, Antony was one of a few who brought that passion, and in times when players could very easily hide, he brought the fight and stood up for himself.
Whether the winger should have started the derby begs another question entirely but he surely would have added something to the team, perhaps more impetus and balance from that right-hand side.
One thing his inclusion would have certainly brought is an end to the ridiculous move of playing Bruno Fernandes, United’s captain and best-attacking midfielder, out of position.
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