Antony: I was provoked by Coventry players – I cupped my ears to defend my club

Manchester United’s under-fire winger Antony has defended his “heat of the moment” reaction at Wembley as Erik ten Hag claimed his £85 million signing was responding to “provocation” from Coventry players.

Antony invited fierce criticism for cupping his ears in celebration in the direction of the Coventry players after United’s penalty shoot-out victory over the Championship side in Sunday’s FA Cup semi-final.

The Brazil winger’s antics - which were branded “embarrassing” by former United defender Rio Ferdinand - contrasted starkly with the respectful behaviour of Harry Maguire, who went straight over to console the Coventry players, and other United team-mates who showed humility in the situation.

Neal Maupay, the Brentford striker who has a reputation for winding up opposition players, even tweeted in reaction to the Antony incident, saying: “Just for the record, not even I would do this”.

But Antony refused to apologise for his behaviour on social media on Tuesday.