Paris Saint-Germain and Brazil star Neymar is the latest player to come to Antony\u2019s defense after the Manchester United\u00a0winger received flak from numerous quarters for showboating and subsequently fumbling in their Europa League match against FC Sheriff.<\/p>\n
The 22-year-old was dead gung-ho to perform his signature 360 degree drag-back spin move \u2013 twice \u2013 while the scores were still tied at 0-0, which elicited criticism and sarcastic comments from pundits such as United legend Paul Scholes and Robbie Savage.<\/p>\n
United had been in urgent need of winning the match to sustain their hopes of topping their group to avoid a play-off match against a Champions League drop-out when Antony followed up his indulgent trademark trick by over-hitting a pass straight out of play, which ended up making his act looking silly.<\/p>\n
\u201cWell that for me is ridiculous. Because he\u2019s done that and then he puts the ball out of play. Quite embarrassing actually, doing that with nobody near him,\u201dsaid Savage during his BT Sport commentary.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd then he puts the ball out of play. If I was the manager I would not be happy. And you can hear the crowd. They\u2019re trying to win the game, moving the ball quickly, nobody near him, and he puts the ball out of play. Embarrassing.\u201d<\/p>\n
United legend Scholes echoed those sentiments, branding Antony\u2019s showboating as \u2018ridiculous\u2019 and even calling him a \u2018clown\u2019.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, manager Erik ten Hag refused to condemn Antony after the match which United ultimately won 3-0. He also dismissed suggestions the winger had been withdrawn at half-time as a result of his superfluous showboating.<\/p>\n
Now Neymar has waded in and sent his support to Antony after the backlash he has received and encouraged him to keep expressing himself. Which is perfectly understandable as the Brazilian star is himself known for his penchant for showboating.<\/p>\n
Sharing a clip of his compatriot doing his spin move, Neymar tagged Antony on Instagram and wrote: \u201cKeep it up, don\u2019t change anything! Go for it boy! Boldness and joy.\u201d<\/p>\n
Antony, eager to defend himself, himself posted a defiant message on Instagram earlier in the day, saying: \u201cWe are known for our art and I will not stop doing what has brought me to where I am!\u201d<\/p>\n
United team-mate Fred also defended Antony and hit out at pundits like Scholes and Savage who criticised his trickery, telling ESPN: \u201cIt\u2019s very annoying that they want to say that.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think it starts with us being Brazilians. Brazilians have quality in their blood. It\u2019s always been that way since Pele, to have quality, to dribble, to score, to dance, to smile.<\/p>\n
\u201cSo I think people have to understand this aspect that we have. So it wasn\u2019t offensive to anyone what he did.<\/p>\n
\u201cOf course, if it\u2019s offensive, we\u2019ll come to him in the dressing room and talk. But it was not offensive to anyone. It\u2019s his game. I think he has to keep doing it.\u201d<\/p>\n
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