Manchester United winger Antony has agreed to postpone his return to the club to confront allegations of assault that have been leveled against him.
The 23-year-old was originally scheduled to resume training on Monday after being omitted from Brazil’s squad for their World Cup qualifiers against Bolivia and Peru.
Manchester United announced that they have reached an agreement with the player to defer his return until further notice to address the ongoing matter.
Antony firmly denies all allegations against him.
In a statement, Manchester United acknowledged the allegations made against Antony and expressed their stance on such incidents.
“Manchester United acknowledges the allegations made against Antony,” the club statement read. “Players who have not participated in international matches are due back in training on Monday.
“However, it has been agreed with Antony that he will delay his return until further notice in order to address the allegations. As a club, we condemn acts of violence and abuse.
“We recognize the importance of safeguarding all those involved in this situation, and acknowledge the impact these allegations have on survivors of abuse.”
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The allegations involve domestic abuse claims made by his former girlfriend, which have prompted a police investigation. Additionally, a woman made further allegations of assault during an interview with a Brazilian TV channel.
Antony appeared on Brazilian TV on Friday to state, “I never attacked any woman,” and expressed his confidence that “the truth will come out.”
In a statement issued on Sunday, Antony elaborated on his decision, saying, “I have agreed with Manchester United to take a period of absence while I address the allegations made against me. This was a mutual decision to avoid distraction to my teammates and unnecessary controversy for the club.
“I want to reiterate my innocence of the things I have been accused of, and I will fully co-operate with the police to help them reach the truth. I look forward to returning to play as soon as possible.”
The accusations against Antony involve an alleged headbutt against his former girlfriend, Gabriela Cavallin, in a Manchester hotel room on January 15, resulting in a head injury that required medical treatment.
She also claims to have been punched in the chest, causing damage to a silicone breast implant, which necessitated corrective surgery.
Antony had previously refuted these claims on social media, stating, “I can calmly state that the accusations are false and that the evidence already produced and the other evidence that will be produced demonstrate that I am innocent of the accusations made.”
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Additionally, Ingrid Lana, a 33-year-old banker, has come forward with claims that she hit her head when “pushed against a wall” by Antony at his house in Manchester in October 2022.
Both Greater Manchester Police and Sao Paulo Police are actively investigating these allegations.
Antony did not participate in the international break after the Brazilian football federation withdrew him from their squad due to publicized “facts” that necessitated further investigation.