Antony breaks silence on 'disgraceful' celebration towards Coventry players after major backlash

Manchester United winger Antony has broken his silence on his controversial celebration towards Coventry players after the FA Cup semi-final.

United beat the Championship side on penalties at Wembley, after giving up a 3-0 lead in the second half of normal time.

Antony was widely criticised after the game for his gesture towards Coventry stars after Rasmus Hojlund scored United's winning penalty.

The Brazil international began to celebrate before turning back to the Sky Blues players and cupping both ears.

It provoked anger on social media, with talkSPORT's Alex Crook describing the celebration as a 'disgrace'.

Now, Antony has had his say on Twitter - and accused Coventry players of provoking him.

He wrote: "Coventry proved why they reacted the semi-final. We seeked this spot in the final for our fans and we achieved.

"The way our fans were treated by their players was not nice and I, in the heat of the moment, I've reacted to the provocations in a natural defence of my club!"

Coventry proved why they reached the semi-final. 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! https://t.co/y3cz3UhzXf

— Antony Santos (@antony00) April 23, 2024

Antony was responding to media comments from manager Erik ten Hag, who offered a defence for the winger and his actions at Wembley.

Ahead of United's Premier League clash against Sheffield United, which takes place later this week, the Dutchman told reporters: "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 minutes 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."

United face Manchester City in the FA Cup final for the second consecutive time on May 25 at Wembley.