Manchester United flop Antony has been involved in a fierce brawl with Bournemouth’s Alex Scott during a pre-season friendly.
The ugly scenes erupted just before the half-time whistle, with players from each side becoming embroiled in a heated altercation during what should have been a routine warm-up fixture.
Both men received their marching orders on the stroke of half-time.
The match finished 2-2, with new Cherries manager Marco Rose watching his squad’s penultimate pre-season outing end in a draw.
Antony was involved in a fierce brawl with Alex Scott
|
GETTY
The scrap started when Betis forward Nelson Deossa struck the ball directly at Bournemouth defender Bafode Diakite from point-blank range after being fouled on the flank moments earlier.
Deossa was cautioned for his actions, but Cherries players quickly swarmed to have a go at the forward.
Antony sprinted over to the melee, shoving two Bournemouth players in the process.
Scott stepped in to confront the Brazilian, pushing him back and gesturing towards him, only for Antony to raise his arms and shove the midfielder in return.
Both players were sent off for the altercation
|
GETTY
Despite Antony’s role as the primary instigator, the official chose to send off both players
Bournemouth had taken the lead through Marcus Tavernier’s 41st-minute strike.
The second period saw a flurry of goals, with Isco pulling Betis level with an equaliser, but the Cherries responded swiftly as Evanilson found the net around the hour mark to restore their advantage.
The hosts refused to lie down, however, with former West Ham midfielder Pablo Fornals netting late on to ensure the spoils were shared at 2-2.
Antony was given his marching orders
|
GETTY
It was Rose’s first taste of the kind of drama that may await him as he settles into his role as Bournemouth’s new head coach.
His side now turn their attention to one final pre-season engagement before competitive football begins, with a trip to face Bundesliga outfit Mainz scheduled for next Saturday.
Bournemouth’s Premier League campaign gets under way on August 23 with a trip to play Manchester City.
Marco Rose takes charge of his first competitive game against Manchester City
| GETTY
The Cherries first home game of the season comes against Everton, before facing Newcastle, Brentford and Liverpool.
Bournemouth do have the obstacle of coping with European football after qualifying for the Europa League.
The Cherries will find their fate in the competition with the league phase draw scheduled for August 28.
