Natan played as a starter against Girona, facing a potential suspension due to accumulated yellow cards. However, it was Antony who will miss the upcoming derby against Betis after being sent off in the final minutes of the match against Girona. The Brazilian forward, previously with Manchester United, attempted a bicycle kick on a loose ball. He unintentionally kicked Joel Roca in the face while the latter cleared the ball. Initially shown a yellow card by referee Iosu Galech, VAR intervened and upgraded the sanction to a direct red card.
Antony’s Suspension: Impact on the Team
Antony’s sending-off is a major blow for Betis, especially with the derby against Sevilla on the horizon. This match is considered one of the most significant in the season. Coach Manuel Pellegrini will need to evaluate his options now that Antony will be unavailable.
Possible Alterations in Lineup
In the absence of Antony, Pellegrini could reconsider his formation. Several alternatives present themselves:
- Using Isco in an attacking midfield role, with Lo Celso on the wing.
- Shifting Fornals to the right side and employing a more defensively inclined double pivot.
Post-Match Developments
The referee cited Antony’s actions in the match report, stating, “In the 90th minute, Antony was sent off for kicking an opponent in the face using excessive force in the ball dispute.” Meanwhile, Betis’ legal team is preparing to review the match footage and the referee’s report. They are considering whether to appeal against the suspension.
With attention focused on the resolution of Natan’s previous yellow card and Antony’s recent red, Betis will keep a close eye on their disciplinary actions in the coming days.
