“A natural defense of my club” – Antony responds to ear-cupping celebration social media fiasco

Manchester United winger Antony responded to the criticism he received for his celebration on the face of the Coventry City players after the penalty shootout in the semifinal of the FA Cup. In his latest X post, the Brazilian admitted that he was only defending United fans who, according to him, were treated badly during the game by the opposition’s players. 

United won a dramatic penalty shootout against Coventry 4-2 after playing 3-3 during 120 to extra time. After Ubnited won the game, Antony ran in front of the Coventry players, putting his hands on his ears. The gesture then sparked a huge backlash on social media. 

Antony responds to ear-cupping celebration criticism

“Coventry proved why they reached the semi-final,” he posted. “We seeked this spot in the final for our fans and we achieved. The way our fans were treated by their player was not nice and I, in the heat of the moment, i’ve reacted to the provocations in a natural defense of my club!”

The tweet was a reaction to another post by a United fanbase, @UnitedStandMUFC, showing United manager Erik Ten Hag commenting about Antony’s celebration, comparing him to Harry Maguire. The Dutch gaffer then praised Maguire’s maturity amid the tense in tha post-match moment. 

“Did you see the reaction of Harry Maguire?,” the tweet quoting Ten Hag. “He was provoked, that’s why this was a reaction of that, you haven’t seen the provocation, only the reaction. But he should not do it. 

“I have seen Harry Maguire straight after and others, we should acknowledge the performance of Coventry coming to that final and the comeback we are 70 mins totally dominating the game by far and 3-0 must have been the game is closed but the return from their side was very good.”

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