When Antony Matheus dos Santos missed a desperate overhead kick and caught Joel Roca Bosch square in the face during a tense 1-1 draw at Estadi Montilivi, the 87th minute of LaLiga action turned from drama to disgrace — then, surprisingly, to redemption. The Brazilian winger, 25, who once wore the red of Manchester United Football Club, was shown a straight red card after VAR overturned an initial yellow, sparking an emotional exit that left fans in awe. He didn’t argue. He didn’t sulk. He took off his jersey and handed it to a crying kid in the stands.
What Happened on the Pitch?
At 8:42 PM CET on November 23, 2025, with the score locked and Real Betis Balompié clinging to a draw against Girona FC, Antony launched a wild, full-extension bicycle kick attempt inside the penalty area. The ball slipped. His right foot didn’t. It connected with Roca’s jaw — a brutal, accidental blow that sent the 23-year-old Girona midfielder sprawling. Referee Iosu Galech Apezteguía initially waved yellow, thinking it was reckless but not malicious. But the VAR official Alejandro Hernández Hernández reviewed footage for over a minute. At 8:46 PM, the decision changed. Under Article 124 of the RFEF code, it was classified as serious foul play — a red card for violent conduct, no appeal.
Antony didn’t protest. He just looked down, clenched his fists, and walked off. As he passed the away section, he made a sweeping gesture toward the Real Betis fans — palms open, head bowed. At 8:48 PM, he peeled off his #11 jersey and handed it to a 10-year-old boy in the front row. The crowd, stunned at first, erupted in applause. It wasn’t just a moment of sportsmanship. It was raw, unscripted humanity.
Apology, Accountability, and the Aftermath
By 10:15 PM, Antony’s Instagram — followed by 12.5 million — had the statement: "Very sad about the red card. All I wanted was to help my team win. A completely unintentional move...sorry to all the fans that have always supported me." ESPN confirmed the quote at 12:30 AM UTC on November 24. KBIZOOM later reported fans were moved by his gestures, sharing videos of supporters chanting his name even as he left the pitch.
Under LaLiga rules, a straight red for violent conduct means an automatic one-match suspension. That means Antony misses the Seville derby against Sevilla FC at Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan Stadium on November 30. But he’s eligible for Thursday’s Europa League clash with FC Utrecht at Benito Villamarín. Real Betis, fifth in LaLiga with 28 points from 14 games, will have to adjust. Sporting director Ramón Alarcón confirmed Ayoze Pérez will start on the right wing.
Why This Matters Beyond the Suspension
Antony’s journey has been rocky. After a troubled stint at Manchester United Football Club, he joined Real Betis on loan in January 2024, then signed permanently for €25 million in September. He’s since scored six goals in 12 appearances — a marked improvement from his inconsistent United days. He’s also been vocal about his exit from Old Trafford, telling The Athletic in September 2024 that he felt "rudeness and lack of respect" — though he never named names.
Now, his redemption arc is unfolding in real time. On November 24, Real Betis announced they’re launching a clothing line featuring Antony’s neck tattoo design, with 15% of proceeds going to the Fundación Real Betis charity. It’s not just merch. It’s a statement: the club believes in him. And fans? They’re buying in.
Historical Context: A Pattern or a One-Time Mistake?
Antony’s only prior red card came in January 2022, playing for AFC Ajax against PSV Eindhoven — a three-match ban under Dutch rules. That was a tackle. This? A misjudged acrobatic attempt. Former referee Pablo Márquez, now a pundit for Marca, put it bluntly: "He wasn’t trying to hurt anyone. He was trying to be Ronaldo. But in football, intent doesn’t matter if the result is dangerous. The VAR got it right — but the human response? That’s what made this unforgettable."
Stewart Gardner of ESPN FC noted the technical side: "Antony was attempting to imitate Cristiano Ronaldo’s bicycle kick technique, but the recklessness in execution left no option but a red card after review." The irony? Ronaldo himself has been cautioned for similar moves — but never sent off. Antony’s version just didn’t land cleanly.
What’s Next?
Real Betis face Utrecht in Europe on Thursday. Then comes the derby. Without Antony, Pellegrini must reshuffle. Will they go more direct? Bring in young talent? Or shift to a 4-3-3 with Pérez and Héctor Bellerín as wing options? The pressure’s on.
Meanwhile, Antony is likely to be training alone, reviewing footage, and preparing mentally. He’s not banned from training. Just from the bench. And if he shows up in Seville next week with a new tattoo — maybe one that says "I’m sorry" — nobody would be surprised.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the yellow card upgraded to a red?
The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) reviewed the incident under Article 124 of the RFEF disciplinary code, which classifies any kick or strike with excessive force — even if unintentional — as serious foul play. Since Antony’s foot made direct, high-impact contact with Roca’s face during a non-ball-playing motion, the officials deemed it a clear violation of Law 12 by IFAB standards, warranting a straight red despite the lack of malice.
How does this affect Real Betis’s chances in LaLiga?
Antony has been a key attacking outlet, starting 10 of 12 league games and contributing 6 goals this season. His absence against Sevilla FC — a direct rival for European qualification — weakens Real Betis’s width and creativity. With Ayoze Pérez stepping in, the team may become more central, potentially reducing scoring opportunities against Sevilla’s aggressive full-backs. A draw or loss could drop them out of the top four.
Is Antony eligible for the Europa League match against FC Utrecht?
Yes. The one-match suspension applies only to LaLiga fixtures, not UEFA competitions. Antony will be available for Real Betis’s Thursday, November 27 match against FC Utrecht at Benito Villamarín. This gives him a chance to redeem himself on a different stage and maintain match fitness ahead of the Seville derby.
Why is Real Betis launching a clothing line with his tattoo?
The club sees Antony’s apology and public remorse as a powerful branding moment. The tattoo design — a personal symbol — will be turned into limited-edition apparel, with 15% of proceeds funding the Fundación Real Betis, which supports underprivileged youth in Seville. It’s a way to turn controversy into community impact, showing fans the club values character as much as talent.
What’s the history between Antony and Manchester United?
Antony joined United in 2022 for €95 million but struggled with form, confidence, and integration. He was loaned to Real Betis in January 2024, where he thrived. After his permanent transfer in September 2024, he criticized United for "rudeness and lack of respect" during his exit — a rare public rebuke from a player. His improved performance in Spain has only deepened the contrast between his two club experiences.
Has this kind of incident happened before in LaLiga?
Yes. In 2023, Barcelona’s Raphinha received a red card for a similar bicycle kick that struck an opponent’s head — though it was deemed accidental and he was suspended for only one match. The RFEF has been increasingly strict on aerial challenges near the face since the 2022-23 season, especially after several head injuries. Antony’s case follows that trend, reinforcing that even non-intentional contact can be punished if deemed dangerous.
raja kumar
November 25, 2025 AT 18:36That moment when the kid got the jersey - no filter, no script, just pure soul. Football’s not just about goals or cards, it’s about who you are when no one’s watching. Antony didn’t need to do that, but he did. That’s the kind of man that outlasts any contract.
Respect.
And yeah, VAR got it right. But humanity? That was all him.
Sumit Prakash Gupta
November 26, 2025 AT 23:24Let’s talk ROI on this incident - brand equity spiked 300% post-red-card-apology. Antony’s market cap just jumped from ‘underperforming winger’ to ‘cultural icon with a tattoo line.’ Real Betis didn’t lose a player, they unlocked a merchandising goldmine. The suspension? A tactical pause. The narrative? Pure PR genius.
Shikhar Narwal
November 27, 2025 AT 12:57Bro just gave his jersey to a kid like it was nothing 😭👏
And now they’re making shirts with his neck ink??
That’s not a football story, that’s a movie trailer 🎬❤️
Ravish Sharma
November 28, 2025 AT 14:41Of course the Brazilian did this. First he fails spectacularly, then he becomes the saint of Spanish football. Classic. One minute he’s trying to imitate Ronaldo, next he’s handing out jerseys like he’s Jesus at the Last Supper. The drama. The theatrics. The absolute, unapologetic spectacle. I love it.
jay mehta
November 29, 2025 AT 16:48YES! YES! YES! This is what we need more of in football!! Not just talent - CHARACTER!! Antony didn’t run, didn’t hide, didn’t blame VAR - he owned it, and then he gave his jersey to a kid who probably never had anything before. That’s the kind of guy you root for!!
Real Betis fans are lucky. This man is a gift. And the clothing line? GENIUS!! 15% to charity? That’s not a marketing stunt - that’s legacy building!!
He’s not just a player - he’s a movement!!
Amit Rana
November 29, 2025 AT 20:12Antony’s red card was technically correct under Law 12 - direct, high-impact contact to the head during a non-ball-playing motion. But the real lesson here is in the aftermath. The immediate accountability, the lack of defensiveness, the gesture to the child - these are the markers of emotional maturity. Most players would’ve sulked or blamed the referee. He chose grace. That’s what separates good players from great humans.
Narinder K
December 1, 2025 AT 02:29So let me get this straight - he kicks a guy in the face, gets sent off, gives away his jersey, and now he’s getting a clothing line? Sounds like the plot of a Netflix drama where the villain becomes the hero after one good deed. I’m not saying it’s fake… but I’m not not saying it either.
Narayana Murthy Dasara
December 1, 2025 AT 02:42Man, I’ve seen a lot of football moments, but this one stuck with me. You don’t need to be perfect to be respected. You just need to be real. Antony messed up, but he didn’t try to hide it. He owned it. And then he did something kind without expecting anything back. That’s rare. That’s beautiful. Football needs more of this.
lakshmi shyam
December 1, 2025 AT 15:28What a joke. He gets sent off for almost blinding a guy, then gets handed a hero’s cape like he’s some saint? Please. He’s a talentless flop from United who got lucky with a loan. Now he’s got a merch line because he cried on TV? Wake up. This isn’t redemption - it’s manufactured sympathy.
Sabir Malik
December 2, 2025 AT 09:24You know, I’ve been thinking about this whole thing for days now - not just the red card, but the silence after it. He didn’t shout, he didn’t argue, he didn’t look for the camera. He just… walked. And then he gave the jersey. That’s the kind of quiet strength we don’t see enough of in modern sports. Most athletes are trained to perform emotion - to cry on cue, to smile for the fans, to tweet apologies before they even shower. But Antony? He didn’t perform. He felt. And that’s why it hit so hard. Because it was real. Not scripted. Not strategic. Just human. And in a world full of noise, that’s the loudest thing of all.
Debsmita Santra
December 3, 2025 AT 05:02Antony’s journey from United to Betis is textbook - not just in terms of performance but psychological recovery. He was trapped in a toxic environment where his identity was reduced to a €95M mistake. In Spain, he’s been given space to breathe, to play, to be himself. The red card was a setback, yes - but his response? That’s the real turning point. The club’s decision to turn his tattoo into a charity line? Brilliant. It transforms shame into shared purpose. It’s not about the jersey anymore - it’s about what the jersey represents now: second chances.
Vasudha Kamra
December 4, 2025 AT 12:45This is exactly why I love football. Not for the goals or the transfers - but for the moments like this. When someone makes a mistake, owns it, and then does something kind without expecting praise. Antony didn’t need to give his jersey away. But he did. And that’s the kind of thing that lasts longer than any trophy.
Abhinav Rawat
December 4, 2025 AT 13:40There’s a deeper layer here, beyond the red card and the jersey. Football, in its purest form, is a ritual - a modern-day gladiatorial contest where the crowd demands spectacle. But Antony, in that moment, broke the ritual. He didn’t feed the beast with anger or excuses. He offered silence, humility, and a piece of himself - not as a player, but as a person. And the crowd, trained to chant and boo, didn’t know how to respond. So they applauded. Not for the goal. Not for the skill. But for the humanity. That’s the real victory. The suspension is temporary. This? This becomes legend.
Shashi Singh
December 5, 2025 AT 09:41WAIT - this is all a setup!! Did you see how the VAR took exactly 4 minutes? Coincidence? NO. And the kid in the front row? He’s been paid to cry! The club knew this would go viral - they planned the tattoo merch months ago! Even the timing of the Instagram post - 10:15 PM - that’s when engagement peaks in Europe! This isn’t redemption - it’s a multi-million dollar marketing campaign disguised as a moral moment. The real villain? The algorithm. The real hero? The sponsor.
Surbhi Kanda
December 7, 2025 AT 05:27The RFEF code is clear: any contact to the head during a non-ball-playing motion is serious foul play. The VAR decision was flawless. The apology? Appropriate. The jersey? Symbolic. But the clothing line? That’s where it crosses into exploitation. You don’t monetize a moment of shame - you honor it. This feels less like charity and more like branding with a conscience. And that’s dangerous.
Sandhiya Ravi
December 7, 2025 AT 14:51I watched the clip three times. The kid was crying before Antony even took off his jersey. You can tell he’d never seen anything like it - a player, even one who just messed up, choosing kindness over ego. That’s the kind of moment that changes how a child sees the game. Not the goals. Not the trophies. The way people treat each other. Antony gave him more than a jersey. He gave him a reason to believe.
JAYESH KOTADIYA
December 8, 2025 AT 05:02Bro is from India and still knows more about football than most United fans 😂
Antony got roasted at United but now he’s the king of Spain? Classic. Betis fans are lucky. United fans? They got nothing. Just a €95M mistake and a 2-0 loss to Leicester. 😭
Also - tattoo merch?? LMAO. Betis just turned a red card into a cash cow. I respect the hustle.
Siddharth Gupta
December 8, 2025 AT 21:38That moment when the kid got the jersey? I cried. Not because I’m emotional - but because I’ve seen so many players act like they’re above it all. Antony didn’t. He was just a guy who messed up, owned it, and then gave away the one thing he could - his identity on the pitch. That’s power. Not fame. Not money. Just… being human. And yeah, the tattoo shirts? If it helps kids in Seville? Then I’m all in.
Anoop Singh
December 9, 2025 AT 09:23Why are we even talking about this? He kicked someone in the face. That’s it. No more, no less. The rest is just noise. People love to turn mistakes into redemption arcs because it makes them feel good. But in reality? He got caught. He got punished. Move on.