September 6, (THEWILL) – Manchester United have stated they are taking seriously the allegations made against striker Antony which have led to a police investigation and the player being dropped from the Brazil national team.
As THEWILL reported, the 22-year-old was withdrawn from Brazil’s squad for two upcoming World Cup qualifiers after domestic abuse claims emerged from his ex-girlfriend Gabriela Cavallin in Brazilian media. The English club acknowledged the inquiry and said they would refrain from further comment pending additional information.
Antony has denied wrongdoing but said he cannot provide details due to the ongoing police probe. Brazil’s Football Federation announced Antony’s removal to “protect the alleged victim, the player, the squad and the Federation.” Interim head coach Fernando Diniz called up Arsenal’s Gabriel Jesus as a replacement ahead of games against Bolivia and Peru.
The allegations follow United terminating Mason Greenwood’s contract after separate assault and attempted rape charges emerged against the striker in January last year, which were eventually dropped in February.
A spokesperson confirmed Brazil’s Public Security Secretariat is investigating the claims made against Antony. Manchester United recognises the impact such allegations can have on victims of abuse and are ready to give it the seriousness it deserves “with consideration of the impact these allegations and subsequent reporting will have on survivors of abuse.”
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
