Manchester United insist they are taking the Antony abuse allegations ‘seriously’ after Greater Manchester Police confirmed enquires are ongoing.
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Antony’s former girlfriend, Gabriela Cavallin, has alleged that she has been physically attacked by the 23-year-old winger on several occasions during their time together in Manchester and in Brazil.
On Tuesday, Brazil’s national side announced that Antony has been dropped from their squad in response to the allegations ahead of their upcoming fixtures against Bolivia and Peru.
United are now under pressure to follow suit but while the club have acknowledged the allegations, they have not said that Antony, who was signed in an £85 million deal from Ajax last year, will be suspended while investigations continue.
A statement from United on Wednesday read: ‘Manchester United acknowledges the allegations made against Antony and notes that the Police are conducting enquiries.
‘Pending further information, the club will be making no further comments.
‘As a club, we are taking this matter seriously, with consideration of the impact of these allegations and subsequent reporting will have on survivors of abuse.’
Antony posted a statement on Instagram on Monday evening denying the allegations, which read: ‘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 issues 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 investigations will reveal the truth about my innocence.’
Cavallin initially filed a report at a police station in Sao Paulo in June which included allegations of assault, bodily injury and threating behaviour by Antony.
Among the allegations, Antony is accused of headbutting Cavallin in a hotel in Manchester in January, leaving her with a cut on her head which needed treatment from a doctor.
Cavallin also claims she was punched in the chest by Antony, which caused damage to a silicone breast implant and required corrective surgery.
Antony is also accused of verbally threatening to kill Cavallin during a telephone conversation on May 20 – the same day he played in Manchester United’s 1-0 win over Bournemouth in the Premier League.
A statement released by Greater Manchester Police on Tuesday read: ‘Greater Manchester Police is aware of the allegations made and enquiries remain ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding this report.’
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