According to a report by Camel.live reporter, the Spanish Football Federation Appeals Committee held a meeting on Thursday and decided to reject the appeal filed by Real Betis against the punishment imposed on Antony. The punishment was issued by the Disciplinary Committee after Antony was sent off with a direct red card in last week's match against Girona. All signs thus indicate that the Brazilian star will miss this weekend's Seville Derby.
Real Betis can still resort to the administrative-level Sports Administrative Court, which is responsible for assessing legality and procedural issues. The club's legal services department has promptly submitted documents to appeal the punishment and simultaneously requested a suspension of the ban before the final ruling, aiming to allow Antony to play against Sevilla. If the ban is finally confirmed, he will serve it in the team's subsequent league rounds.
Betis hopes the Sports Administrative Court will rule on the request to suspend the ban tomorrow, so as to clarify within the 48-hour buffer period whether Manuel Pellegrini can field the Brazilian winger in this weekend's Seville Derby. Last time Antony was punished with a direct red card, Betis successfully appealed, allowing the player to be available for selection by the coach and play in last season's home match against Real Madrid.
