Manchester United's Antony defends controversial celebration and reveals why he made Coventry gesture

Antony has claimed he was 'defending his club' after turning to Coventry City's players and cupping his ears after Manchester United's penalty shootout victory in Sunday's FA Cup semi-final at Wembley.

United progressed to their second successive FA Cup final with a 4-2 win on spot-kicks. Rasmus Hojlund scored the decisive penalty to set up an all-Manchester final for the second season running.

United led 3-0 with just 20 minutes of regulation time left, but capitulated in dramatic fashion, allowing Coventry to score three times and send the tie to extra time. The Sky Blues thought they had won it in the dying seconds of the additional 30 minutes, but Victor Torp's effort was ruled out by VAR for an offside in the build-up.

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United got the job done via the spot, but their victory had a very hollow feeling to it, such was the way they had limped over the line. Antony's decision to cup his ears and taunt the Coventry players has been heavily criticised from all angles, whereas Harry Maguire's decision to shake hands with the Coventry players has been praised.

Just hours after United manager Erik ten Hag claimed Antony was 'provoked' during the shootout, the Brazilian has agreed with his manager, explaining why he did what he did in a social media post.

Posting on X, formerly known as Twitter, Antony said: "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 defence of my club!"

Ten Hag, speaking ahead of Wednesday night's Premier League clash with Sheffield United, explained: "Did you see the reaction of Harry Maguire? He (Antony) was provocated, 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 then to come back. We are 70 minutes totally dominating the game by far and creating many chances. At 3-0, it must have been the game is closed but the return from their side was very good."