Antony reveals why he mocked Coventry’s players during FA Cup semi-final

Manchester United winger, Antony has opened up on why he mocked Coventry’s players during the Red Devil’s FA Cup semi-final victory at Wembley Stadium.

United were dragged to a penalty shootout contest by Coventry with Erik ten Hag’s team emerging victorious.

However, Antony was criticised for cupping his hand to his ear in the direction of the Coventry squad when Rasmus Hojlund converted the crucial penalty.

Antony has now admitted he lost his cool but revealed why he decided to mock his opponent.

‘Coventry proved why they reached the semi-final,’ he posted on X, the platform previously known as Twitter.

‘We seeked [sought] 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!’

Erik Ten Hag while speaking about the incident, defended Antony. However, he insisted that the Brazilian should have done better.

‘He (Antony) was provocated (provoked), that’s why this was a reaction of that,’ said Ten Hag. ‘You haven’t seen the provocation only the reaction. But he should not do it.

‘Did you see the reaction of Harry Maguire? I have seen Harry Maguire straight after and others.

‘We should acknowledge the performance of Coventry coming to that semi-final and the comeback.

‘We are for 70 minutes totally dominating the game by far, and 3-0 must have the game closed. But the return from their side was very good.’