Opponent watch: Real Betis winger available to face Real Madrid after red card overturned | OneFootball

Real Betis have received a major boost ahead of their crucial clash against Real Madrid this Saturday, as Brazilian forward Antony will be available for selection.

The Andalusian club’s winter signing was initially set to miss the match after receiving a red card in the final moments of the game against Getafe.

However, the Spanish Football Federation’s (RFEF) Competitions Committee has decided to overturn the decision, as reported by Mundo Deportivo.

What happened?

Antony was shown a red card during Real Betis’ most recent La Liga game against Getafe this past weekend in injury time for lunging at Juan Iglesias.

The incident saw referee Alberola Rojas immediately send off the Brazilian, a decision that was upheld by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR).

The official match report justified the dismissal by stating: “For tackling an opponent from behind without the possibility of playing the ball, using excessive force.”

Antony will be available to face Real Madrid. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)

However, Betis appealed against the verdict and presented video evidence demonstrating a clear and obvious error in the referee’s report.

Upon reviewing the footage, the disciplinary body concluded that Antony never made contact with the Getafe player, contradicting the account recorded by Alberola Rojas.

As a result, the red card has been annulled, allowing manager Manuel Pellegrini to include Antony in the squad for Saturday’s match against Real Madrid at Estadio Benito Villamarin.

The decision is unlikely to be well received by Real Madrid, given the club’s ongoing tensions with the refereeing authorities.

The controversy is further fuelled by the fact that Madrid’s appeal to overturn Jude Bellingham’s suspension was rejected.

The English midfielder was sent off against Osasuna for allegedly saying “f*** you” to the referee, though Madrid argued he had actually said “f*** off.”

Despite their appeal, Bellingham was handed a two-match ban, the second of which will be served this weekend against Betis, who, in contrast, will now have Antony available.