Neymar has defended Antony after the Manchester United star was criticised for showboating against Sheriff Tiraspol in the Europa League.
The Brazilian did not have his most impactful performance during the game, with his most eye-catching moment coming as he performed a double pirouette on the ball under no pressure. He followed up that skill by playing a pass towards the penalty area in the direction of the onrushing Casemiro, but it went straight out of play.
Antony was substituted off at half-time for Marcus Rashford, who scored United's second goal in their 3-0 win and found himself criticised for his first-half antics.
A number of pundits and former players have slammed him for his skill, especially as he gave the ball away in the same move. However, Neymar has sent his support to his international teammate after the backlash he has received and encouraged him to keep expressing himself.
Sharing a clip of his compatriot doing his spin move, Neymar tagged Antony on Instagram and wrote: "Keep it up, don’t change anything! Go for it boy! Boldness and joy."
Antony himself posted a defiant message on Instagram earlier in the day, saying: "We are known for our art and I will not stop doing what has brought me to where I am!"
The Brazilian has impressed during his short time at the Red Devils following his big-money move from Ajax in the summer, scoring three times in nine appearances in all competitions. However, the skill may have influenced people's perception of the talented winger.
United legend Paul Scholes accused Antony of "being a clown" as he hit out at the winger after the game.
"I love a little bit of showboating, and entertainment but at least get the pass right," Scholes said. "This country, any country even Brazil. They don't want to see that do they? I like to see skills and entertainment, I just don't think it's skill or entertainment it's just being a clown."
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Robbie Savage was also not happy with Antony, branding the moment "embarrassing" during his BT Sport commentary. "Well that for me is ridiculous," he said. "Because he’s done that and then he puts the ball out of play. Quite embarrassing actually, doing that with nobody near him.
"And 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’re trying to win the game, moving the ball quickly, nobody near him, and he puts the ball out of play. Embarrassing."
However, like Neymar, Fred has jumped to defend Antony following the game. In the build-up to United's clash with West Ham United this weekend, the midfielder told ESPN: "It’s very annoying that they want to say that.
"I think it starts with us being Brazilians. Brazilians have quality in their blood. It’s always been that way since Pele, to have quality, to dribble, to score, to dance, to smile. So I think people have to understand this aspect that we have. So it wasn’t offensive to anyone what he did.
"Of course, if it’s offensive, we’ll come to him in the dressing room and talk. But it was not offensive to anyone. It’s his game. I think he has to keep doing it."
