Neal Maupay criticises Antony for Manchester United goading against Coventry

Brazil international cupped his ears after tightest of victories
Jonathan Gorrie23 April 2024

Brentford striker Neal Maupay has criticised Manchester United’s Antony for his celebrations during their FA Cup semi-final win over Coventry.

The Red Devils were pegged back despite racing into a 3-0 goal lead against the Championship at Wembley and were later taken to a penalty shootout following a dramatic period of extra-time.

Ellis Simms hit the crossbar as the Sky Blues almost pulled off what arguably would have been the most remarkable comeback in the competition’s storied history before teammate Victor Torp had his late goal ruled out by the tightest of offside calls through VAR.

Erik ten Hag’s side ultimately progressed into the final after winning 4-2 in the shootout to tee up another meeting with rivals Manchester City.

Antony, who has struggled to justify the £86m spent on him in the summer of 2022, has been labelled “classless” after cupping his ears at the Coventry players waiting on the halfway line as Ben Sheaf put over the bar to seal United’s victory.

Antony appeared to goad Coventry players after United’s tight victory
Getty Images

Maupay, meanwhile, has something of a reputation for antagonising opponents and has been involved in high-profile clashes with the likes of Kyle Walker and James Maddison this season.

The striker, however, joked on X (formerly Twitter) that “not even I would do this” in response to footage of Antony goading the Coventry players.

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