Why some have reacted with fury to Manchester United star’s showboating
Just outside the box with the scores tied at 0-0, Manchester United’s Antony produced a 720-degree pirouette with the ball glued to the inside of his left foot while a Sheriff Tiraspol defender watched on. After completing the spin, he passed the ball out to concede possession. United eventually won its Europa League game 3-0 but almost immediately, Antony’s showboating prompted a furious reaction online and from pundits while his teammates defended him. “Well that, for me, is ridiculous.
“When there is a trick like that, it’s nice as long as it’s functional. If you’re not losing the ball, if you’re attracting players, then it’s OK - but if it’s a trick because of a trick, then I will correct him.” But the furor continued on Friday, prompting Antony to release a statement defending himself. “We are known for our art and I’m not going to stop doing what has brought me where I am!” he wrote on his Instagram story.