Former Man United winger Antony escaped being shown a red card for the second successive match, after the Real Betis star appeared to headbutt an opponent in the Europa League.

The incident occurred in the 21st minute of Real Betis' league phase match against Utrecht.

Antony was chasing a loose ball on the wing and was challenged by Utrecht's left back Souffian El Karouani.

Having clashed on several occasions already in the match, the duo battled for possession again with El Karouani appearing to grab hold of the winger.

In response, Antony appeared to glance at the defender before aiming a headbutt in his direction.

El Karouani, who ironically has been linked with a move to Real Betis this week, went down clutching his head.

Antony, however, escaped sanction with the referee opting against sanctioning him for the incident.

The clash was reviewed by VAR, but Antony's act was cleared by the officiating team.

Utrecht's anger at Antony's reprieve was heightened when the Brazilian set up Cucho Hernandez for Real Betis' opener.

Betis, who had lost their talisman Isco to injury in the first half, doubled their lead through Abde Ezzalzouli in the 50th minute.

Utrecht pulled a goal back with an extraordinary goal from the halfway line by Miguel Rodriguez.

The Spanish side would eventually hold on to claim a 2-1 victory to move up to fifth in the Europa League standings.

Post-match, a tearful Antony bemoaned news that he will be suspended for Betis' derby against Sevilla on Sunday, after being sent off in the final minute of their 1-1 draw over Girona last week.

Antony was dismissed after kicking a Girona player in the face as he attempted an overhead kick in the box.

On that occasion, the winger was initially shown a yellow card by the referee which was then upgraded after VAR recommended an on pitch review.

An initial appeal by Betis against Antony's three-match ban has been turned down, with the club reportedly now having appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.  

'For me it's a very sad moment because I'm coming off a sending-off where there was no intention of anything, but well, this week was very tough,' Antony said.

'I know there are many games ahead, but I know the importance of this one and I'm leaving a little sad and angry because I wanted to be there on Sunday, but I'll be with my teammates.

'For me, it's the most important game of the year, and not being able to play it is very tough. It's going to be very difficult. It's been a very hard week."

'This expulsion has affected me because of the importance of the next match. I already imagined playing the derby away from home, but I'm going to be with them, giving them energy to get the three points.'