Former Netherlands internationals slam Antony's behaviour as links to Liverpool heat up

Liverpool target and Ajax star Antony has been criticised by two former Netherlands international players after he received a red card against Feyenoord.

Liverpool have been linked with Ajax's Brazilian winger Antony for a few months now but former Netherlands international René van der Gijp says he could've blown his shot at a big move after his antics against Feyenoord.

In what was a crazy game, Ajax came from behind twice to secure three points thanks to an Antony goal in the 86th minute.

If the Brazilian's contribution to the game stopped there he would've been hailed as a hero but during his celebrations, he received a yellow card for removing his shirt.

Then, in the 95th minute, after a soft challenge from a Feyenoord player, Antony was knocked into the manager's area and he was indicating that he was injured.

Instead of staying there and receiving treatment or getting on with the game, the 22-year-old came back onto pitch only to be pushed to the ground by his captain, Dusan Tadic.

Tadic wanted Antony to stay down to waste time but that backfired after the Brazilian received a second yellow card for his part in the play-acting.

Speaking to Vandaag Inside, as cited by SportWitness, Van der Gijp said that you don't see the big stars like Mohamed Salah or Serge Gnaby doing what the Brazilian did on Sunday.

“Suppose we are in the stands together as a scout for Manchester City or Liverpool… And we are looking at Antony, what do you think we would say when we come back on Monday?” said Van der Gijp.

“We will not take that. You don’t see a Serge Gnabry, Leroy Sané or Mohamed Salah doing this? Then you can say: he is young, but it can also get crazier.”

Another ex-Netherlands international, Wim Kieft, agreed with Van der Gijp’s comments on the situation.

“He is not that young anymore, because he has been doing this for two years. Such a boy cannot be calmed by a coach, in the end,” Kieft said.

“Ten Hag will of course never say that Antony behaves like an idiot, but he thinks so. In general, this behaviour is addressed in the locker room, then someone says: hey, what are you doing?”

Anfield Watch Verdict

This seems very harsh on Antony. Yes, he was trying to waste time but he came back onto the pitch and was dragged to the ground by his captain. Tadic also walked away from the incident without even a yellow card.

As far as saying this would ruin a move to Liverpool or Manchester City, Jurgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola have worked with much more difficult players and turned them world class.

In my opinion, I doubt if the scouts were there to watch the Brazilian that this would've changed any club's mindset on not signing him if they get the chance.