Because his ex-partner has made serious accusations, Manchester United’s offensive man Antony is no longer allowed to play for the Brazilian national team for the time being. He believes himself to be innocent.
Manchester United are once again facing serious allegations of domestic violence against one of their professionals. After the turmoil surrounding Mason Greenwood, who was eventually loaned to Getafe FC just before the end of the transfer window, attacking man Antony is now in the spotlight.
Ex-partner Gabriela Cavallin accused the 23-year-old in an interview in Brazil of several physical assaults between June 2022 and May 2023, including during her pregnancy. Brazilian federation CBF subsequently removed Antony from the squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Bolivia (Saturday, 2.45am CEST) and Peru (Wednesday, 4am CEST) and nominated Arsenal striker Gabriel Jesus as a replacement.
“Due to the facts that came to light on Monday involving Manchester United striker Antony, which need to be investigated, and in order to protect the alleged victim, the player, the Brazilian team and the CBF, the organisation informs that the athlete has been removed from the Brazilian team,” read a statement from the federation.
Antony speaks of “false accusations “
Antony denies the allegations. “Out of respect for my fans, friends and family, I feel obligated to speak publicly about the false allegations I have fallen victim to,” he shared via his social media channels. “From the beginning, I have treated this matter seriously and respectfully and provided the necessary explanations to the police authorities. The police investigation is taking place under the protection of the judiciary and therefore I cannot make its contents public. “
He could, however, “say with certainty that the accusations are false and that the evidence already presented and yet to be presented shows that I am innocent of the accusations made. My relationship with Ms Gabriela was stormy, with verbal insults from both sides, but I never engaged in physical aggression.”
Antony, who has 16 caps (two goals) to date, had joined ManUnited from Ajax Amsterdam in 2022 and has been in coach Erik ten Hag’s starting eleven in each of the Premier League seasons that have started. The English record champions have not yet commented on the matter.
