Man Utd and Antony issue further statements as the player gives a tearful interview on the alleged abuse, of which he denies.
The winger won’t be returning back to England “until further notice” while he’s under investigation by Brazilian authorities and Greater Manchester Police, as per The Athletic.
This comes after his ex-girlfriend Gabriela Cavallin alleged he assaulted her on separate occasions between June 2022 and May 2023.
Two further women made accusations against him in the Brazilian media on Thursday.
Manchester United winger Antony placed on leave of absence while he continues to face allegations of assault. pic.twitter.com/gIdYmEvgsp
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) September 10, 2023
Antony has since said that Cavallin’s allegations were “false” in a initial statement on social media, and then on Friday, he appeared in an interview on Brazilian TV channel SBT where he strongly denied assaulting any woman, saying: “I never have and I never will.”
The international break also saw Antony dropped from the Brazil squad.
Man Utd players not on international duty are expected back at the club’s Carrington training base on Monday, but Antony will take a “period of absence” in what the club and player said was a mutual decision.
A club statement published on Sunday afternoon read: “Manchester United acknowledges the allegations made against Antony.
“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 recognise the importance of safeguarding all those involved in this situation, and acknowledge the impact these allegations have on survivors of abuse.”
Antony said in his own statement: “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 cooperate with the police to help them reach the truth. I look forward to returning to play as soon as possible.”
Antony hasn’t been suspended by the club and is still to receive full pay on a leave of absence, though Man Utd will continue to review the situation.
“It’s not easy when you’re being crucified,” Antony said in the TV interview. “Do you think I didn’t want to speak, to defend myself? To show the public who I really am? I wanted to.
“I know the truth and the truth will come out. I know that a lot of people are massacring me. But the truth always comes out. United know about the inquiry. They’re following everything and will continue to do so.”
Cavallin alleged in an interview with Brazil news outlet UOL on Monday, the 4th September 2023, that she was first attacked by Antony in June 2022 while pregnant when on holiday in Brazil, claiming he threatened to throw her from a moving car. See more HERE.
Cavallin goes on to claim that she was headbutted and punched by her ex in a Manchester hotel room on January 15th, 2023, which saw her breast implant damaged an also suffered a finger injury during an incident on the 8th of May 2023.
Antony said via SBT that while their relationship has become “turbulent,” that he “never touched her” and said the allegation had been a “lie”.
Brazilian outlet Extra said on Thursday that a woman called Rayssa de Freitas made a police complaint against the Man Utd footballer in May 2022, saying she had to get treated at a hospital after being in his car with another woman and a hairdresser following a visit to a nightclub in Sao Paulo, Brazil.
A third woman, Ingrid Lana, 33, has also claimed Antony pushed her against a wall and tried to have sex with her when she visited his house in England last October.
Qhen questioned about Lana’s accusation, Antony said on Friday: “I’m 100 per cent certain that I never touched any woman. 100 per cent. I am certain. I will produce the proof and people will understand. They will see the truth.”
“Never,” he added, when asked if he had assaulted any woman. “I never have and I never will.”
Man Utd first spoke about the allegations from Cavallin in a statement released on Wednesday the 6th of September, saying: “Manchester United acknowledges the allegations made against Antony and notes that the police are conducting enquiries,” it read. “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 said via social media prior to the interview went on air: “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 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 offenses 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.”
BBC Sport‘s Simon Stone said: “Given the Brazilian has not been charged or arrested, Antony remains on full pay and his absence is not being treated as a suspension by United.
“However, whilst underlining the present position allows Antony to defend himself – which he did in a TV interview on Friday – the club also feels it reflects the seriousness with which they are taking the allegations.
“The decision was signed off by chief executive Richard Arnold after consultation with manager Erik ten Hag.”
The club intends to continue to review the situation.

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