Competition Overrules Alberola Rojas and Rescinds Antony's Red Card, Allowing Him to Play Against Madrid

The Competition Committee of the Spanish Football Federation (FEF) overruled Alberola Rojas this Wednesday, who sent off Antony last Sunday at the Coliseum, and rescinded the direct red card shown to the Brazilian winger of Betis, allowing him to play on Saturday against Real Madrid at Villamarín. Alberola Rojas sent off Antony in the 94th minute of the Getafe-Betis match 'for tackling an opponent (Juan Iglesias) from behind without the possibility of playing the ball, using excessive force,' as noted in the report, but the single judge of Competition annulled the red card, considering that the player of the green-and-white team did not intend to hit the Getafe player.

'After reviewing the footage, it is clear that Antony never takes his eyes off the ball being controlled by the opposing player, trying to intercept with his left foot the trajectory of the ball just struck by the mentioned opponent, without any intention of contacting the Getafe player, but rather to reach the ball, even though he ultimately fails,' justifies the first federative tribunal to rescind the red card.

The controversial decision by Competition to discredit the referee for a reckless tackle sets a new precedent in Spanish football, with Real Madrid once again as a protagonist. Alberola Rojas initially intended to show a yellow card to Antony for his action on Juan Iglesias, but at the assistant's suggestion, he sent off the Brazilian. Aware of his reckless tackle, Antony immediately apologized. 'The play is a bit difficult,' acknowledged Antony, who expressed hope that the allegations presented by Betis would be accepted by Competition to annul the red card.