Antony removed from Brazil squad as police investigate Man Utd winger
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Antony has been removed from the Brazil squad amid the Manchester United winger under investigation by Greater Manchester Police for allegedly attacking his ex-girlfriend.
The United and Brazil forward will not join up with the Selecao for the upcoming international break.
A statement from the CBF said: “Due to the facts that became public this Monday (04/09), involving striker Antony, from Manchester United, and which need to be investigated, and in order to preserve the alleged victim, the player, the Brazilian team and the CBF, the entity informs that the athlete has been withdrawn from the Brazilian team.
“To replace him, coach Fernando Diniz called Gabriel Jesus, who was pre-selected on a list of 36 players, sent to FIFA.”
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Antony, 23, is alleged to have attacked his former girlfriend Gabriela Cavallin in a Manchester hotel room the day after United beat neighbours Manchester City 2-1 at Old Trafford in January this year. He denies the allegations.
In a statement to the Telegraph on Monday, GMP said: “Greater Manchester Police is aware of the allegations made and enquiries remain ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding this report. We will not be commenting any further at this time.”
Ms Cavallin told Brazilian outlet UOL that the alleged attack left her with a cut to her head and a breast implant being damaged.
She has also alleged that Antony threatened to attack her while she was pregnant and alleges that the United winger attacked her multiple times between June 2022 and May 2023.
Antony has denied any wrongdoing in a statement posted on his social media on Monday (September 4), he wrote: "Out of respect for my fans, friends and family I feel obligated to speak publicly about the false accusations I have been a victim of.
"From the beginning I have handled this issue seriously and with respect, providing the due clarifications to the police authority. The police inquest is under cover of justice, and therefore I cannot make its content public.
"However, I can say with confidence that the accusations are false and that the evidence already produced and more to be produced show that I am innocent of the accusations made.
"My relationship with Ms Gabriela was tumultuous, with verbal offences from both sides, but I never practiced any physical aggression.
"Every time, whether in testimony or in interview, she presents a different version of the accusations.
"Thus, I come to deny the accusations made and inform that I remain at the full disposal of the Brazilian authorities to clarify what is needed.
"I trust the ongoing police investigation will reveal the truth about my innocence."
In a statement to the Telegraph on Monday regarding the claims by Ms Cavallin, Antony’s agent Junior Pedroso said: “We are silent because there is an investigative process at a police station in Sao Paulo, Brazil.
“Several people that she [Cavallin] named as witnesses are being heard. The investigative process requires great caution to ascertain the facts as carefully as possible.
“Antony will not pronounce himself until justice has given his opinion about the case, which in our understanding is unfavourable to Gabriela.
“What can be observed is that she always appears in the media when she knows that she can affect Antony. But the exposed facts are the same ones that are being treated in the investigative process.”
Antony, who has 16 caps for Brazil, was due to be in the squad to face Bolivia and Peru for the Selecao’s opening two World Cup Qualifying games.
The winger has started every game so far this season under Erik ten Hag, he was substituted off in the 84th minute of United’s 3-1 defeat away at Arsenal on Sunday (September 3).
- Manchester United FC
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