Enzo Fernandez, Antony, Chelsea
Credit: Imago / TNT Sports
Keith Hackett
Thu 29 May 2025 8:00, UK
Enzo Fernandez’s reaction saved Antony from being sent off during a heated altercation between Chelsea and Real Betis, according to Keith Hackett.
The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that the Man United loanee could have received sanction had the Argentine reacted badly to his attempted head butt.
As the clock ticked down on the five-goal turnaround at the Tarczynski Arena on Wednesday, 28 May, emotions boiled over between South American rivals, who have battled against each other in the Premier League.
While the Brazilian winger was shown a yellow card for his initial lunge on the defender, he appeared to get away with his subsequent actions, which would have only compounded the result for Betis.
Chelsea defeat Real Betis in the Europa Conference League final
Abde Ezzalzouli opened the scoring for Real Betis in just the ninth minute, profiting off Malo Gusto’s mistake before he was hooked at half-time, but the introduction of Reece James helped turn the game on its head.
While he was not directly involved in any of the goals, his leadership helped Enzo Maresca’s side flip the script, with two quick goals from Fernandez and Nicolas Jackson, both being assisted by the brilliance of Cole Palmer.
MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES
Jadon Sancho then added a delightful third before Moises Caicedo netted in added time to secure the victory and bring silverware back to Stamford Bridge after also qualifying for the Champions League.
The travelling supporters from London were treated to a fine display in Poland, but it could have gotten even worse for Manuel Pellegrini’s side as Antony avoided a sending-off from referee Irfan Peljto.
Antony avoids sending-off as emotions bubble over against Chelsea
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider about the altercation, the former referee said it was Fernandez’s relatively restrained reaction that kept Antony from further punishment after he leaned down to press his head into the Argentinian World Cup winner, who was sitting on the turf as stoppage time approached at the end of the game.
While the Chelsea man appeared incensed he did not lash out physically in a big way, before the Man United loanee was caught up with other opposition players.
Hackett said: “The Chelsea player did not react to his opponent illegally using his forehead, and this has helped his opponent from receiving any form of sanction.”
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca
Enzo Maresca’s side lifted the Europa Conference League title. (Credit: Hasan Karim, Breaking Media)
While Antony is renowned for kicking out and causing issues on the pitch, despite that, he has yet to receive a red card in his senior career, and he has avoided his first following his headbutt on James.
The Blues now return to Stamford Bridge with another piece of silverware in the cabinet, and with Champions League football secured for next season, it has been a decent season for Maresca.
Related Posts