BBC radio commentator is left red-faced after major on-air blunder after mishearing ‘Antony is the greatest’ chant during Man United’s FA Cup win over Newport County – as he is forced to apologise following X-rated song

A BBC Radio commentator was left in an awkward position when he misidentified an X-rated chant on Sunday.

Manchester United progressed to the fifth round of the FA Cup with a thrilling 4-2 victory over League Two Newport at Rodney Parade, with the underdogs pegging back their visitors having gone 2-0 down inside the first 15 minutes.

When Will Evans scored to make it 2-2 at the start of the second half, Newport tails were up, but their dreams were shattered when Antony and then Rasmus Hojlund ensured last year’s finalists went through.

Antony’s strike was his first goal in all competitions this season, and it led to Newport fans mocking the forward with a chant targeting him from the home end.

But the commentator on BBC Radio Wales Sport appeared to think something else was being sung from the terraces before realising the true nature of what was taking place. 

Antony scored his first goal of the season for Manchester United in their FA Cup win over Newport on Sunday

‘Antony’s the greatest, is the latest chant from the-‘ the broadcaster began before realising the true lyrics of the chant coming from the home stands.

He was interrupted by a groan from his co-commentator, before quickly correcting himself.

‘Oh no, it’s not greatest,’ he said. 

‘Sorry. Apologies if you understand that,’ he continued, before another lengthy pause prior to continuing with commentary.

It’s likely the chant from the home fans related to domestic assault allegations the Brazilian faced earlier this season, which saw him miss a number of games as he spent time away from the squad.

Antony returned to Manchester at the end of September after being in Brazil since the start of the month – where he joined up with the national team only to be withdrawn from the squad when the allegations surfaced.

The winger was granted a leave of absence by his club to fight allegations made by ex-girlfriend Gabriela Cavallin and two other women.

He was accused of assaulting Cavallin on four occasions and has been investigated by police in Sao Paulo and Manchester. Antony has denied any wrongdoing, and has not been arrested or charged.

Separately, Ingrid Lana, a 33-year-old banker, alleged in an interview with Record TV in Brazil that Antony was aggressive towards her in October 2022, and claimed that the footballer could have killed her with his actions.

A third case, involving an incident in a car in May 2022, was withdrawn at the request of the alleged victim.

Law student Rayssa de Freitas had claimed that she needed hospital treatment following an incident in May of last year when she was attacked by Antony and Mallu Ohana – the ex-wife of Brazil player Dudu – in Antony’s Land Rover after the three left a Sao Paulo nightclub.

The 23-year-old has played 23 times for United this season, but scored his first goal of the campaign when he poked home a lose ball in the second half on Sunday.

He fell to his knees and pointed to the sky in celebration having put his side back ahead in what as ultimately a difficult game against a team three divisions before the Red Devils.

In total, Antony has scored nine goals in 57 appearances since joining the Red Devils from Ajax for £85.5million in 2022.