Antony causes controversy by tackling a Utrecht player without receiving a card! | OneFootball

The Brazilian escapes punishment.

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A moment of pure controversy erupted on the European stage, casting a long shadow over Real Betis's Europa League encounter with Utrecht. In a startling flash of aggression, Brazilian winger Antony, while in full sprint, appeared to deliberately drive his head into opponent Sofyan El Karouani.

The act seemed a clear case of violent conduct, an offense that typically warrants immediate dismissal. Yet, in a decision that baffled onlookers, the match official allowed play to continue, issuing neither a foul nor a card. The incident was left unscrutinized, as the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system remained silent, offering no intervention.

The contentious moment was made all the more significant by Antony's influential role in the match. Prior to the clash, he had been the architect of his team's opening goal, providing a crucial assist. As the game progressed with Betis holding a 2-1 lead, the non-call carried immense weight. For the Brazilian, it was a narrow escape from what could have been a second consecutive red card, a repetition of discipline that would have severely marred his campaign.