Antony has responded to criticism of him goading Coventry players after Manchester United beat them on penalties in the FA Cup.
After Rasmus Hojlund scored the winning penalty in a dramatic shootout at Wembley on Sunday, Antony celebrated by cupping his ears to United's opponents.
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It led to widespread condemnation of the Brazilian due to the fact that United had been 3-0 up in the semi-final before conceding three goals in 20 minutes to the Championship outfit.
Antony has since responded on social media, writing: "Coventry proved why they reached the semi-final.
"We seeked this spot in the final for our fans and we achieved.
"The way our fans were treated by their player was not nice and I, in the heat of the moment, I've reacted to the provocations in a natural defense of my club!"
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United had gone three goals up against Coventry in the FA Cup semi-final after Scott McTominay, Harry Maguire and Bruno Fernandes all scored.
But Ellis Simms sparked a comeback on the 71st minute as Callum O'Hare netted soon after before Haji Wright converted from the penalty spot in the 95th minute to send the game to extra time.
And the Red Devils were spared elimination by VAR after Victor Torp scored only for Wright's foot to be deemed offside in the build-up in the 121st minute.
Despite Casemiro missing his opening penalty in the resulting shootout, Coventry stars O'Hare and Ben Sheaf both also failed to score as Hojlund bagged the winning spot-kick.
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It was then when Antony taunted the Coventry players, who looked heartbroken after coming so close to an incredible FA Cup comeback.
Speaking after the match, United boss Erik ten Hag defended the Brazilian and insisted he had been provoked first while also labelling the media 'a disgrace'.
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"He [Antony] was [provoked] and should not react like this," he said.
"You have not seen the provocation, only the reaction, but he should not do it.
"We should acknowledge the performance of Coventry, coming back at 70 minutes when we dominated the game.
"The game must be closed, but the comeback from their side was very good."
United will now face Manchester City in the FA Cup final next month in a repeat of last year's final and they will have the chance to strike revenge after losing to Pep Guardiola's side.