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.