MANCHESTER United winger Antony will not return to training with the club following allegations of domestic violence by his ex Gabriela Cavallin.
He is currently being investigated by police in both Manchester and Sao Paolo – and has been dropped from Brazil’s squad for their World Cup qualifiers this month.
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Antony will not return to training with the team after being granted leave. Credits: PA
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Gabriela Cavallin told The Sun on Sunday: ‘Antony should be taken off the pitch’. Credit: Instagram
United’s non-capped players were due to return to Carrington on Monday – but Antony has been granted an indefinite leave of absence.
Antony strongly denies all allegations against him and has vowed to clear his name in a new statement released by the club.
Club sources insist he is not suspended and will remain on full wages during his time away from Old Trafford.
They believe the move reflects how seriously the club takes the allegations and will continue to review the situation.
Cavallin led calls for the £85m player to be kicked out of the squad in an exclusive interview with The Sun on Sunday.
The club has faced increasing pressure to take action against Antony, particularly following the Mason Greenwood controversy.
In a statement, Antony said: “I have agreed with Manchester United to take a period of absence until I deal with the allegations against me.
“This was a mutual decision to avoid disturbing my teammates and unnecessary controversy for the club.
“I want to reiterate my innocence of the things I am accused of and will cooperate fully with the police to help them get to the truth.
“I’m looking forward to getting back to playing as soon as possible.”
Gabriella, a model and DJ, today called on Old Trafford bosses to ban Antony from playing while police investigate claims he assaulted her.
She told The Sun on Sunday: “Antony should be taken off the pitch.
“It is disappointing that he is still allowed to play while the investigation is ongoing.
“I am absolutely devastated by the whole process. How can his life continue normally?
“They can’t just know what they know now and do nothing. He has to be removed.”
Gabriela, 22, demanded to know why United bosses waited three months to respond to the abuse allegations.
It was reported in Brazil that Gabriela told police that £150,000-a-week Antony had assaulted her four times.
If they took action against his teammate, I don’t see why they would treat Antony any differently
Gabriella Cavallin
She previously claimed that she was first attacked in June 2022 while she was pregnant and on vacation in Brazil.
She claimed that Antony head-butted and punched her in a Manchester hotel in January, damaging her breast implant.
And she claimed that in May he threw a glass at her and injured her finger.
Antony, who has made 31 appearances for United since the alleged incidents, has denied any wrongdoing.
For legal reasons, Gabriela was careful not to talk about the accusations themselves in our interview, as the police investigation is ongoing.
She first filed a complaint in Brazil in June.
Gabriela told us in tears: “Why did United need three months?
“It’s just not right. I don’t believe that such a big club, with such serious and professional people, would cover up a situation like this.”
Two other women have made similar claims against the winger.
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Gabriela speaks exclusively to The Sun on SundayCredit: The Sun
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Antony appeared in tears on Brazilian television last week
Law student Rayssa de Freitas said she needed hospital treatment following the incident in May last year after she was allegedly attacked by Antony and a woman in his Land Rover after leaving a nightclub in Sao Paulo.
Ingrid Lana, a 33-year-old banker, alleged in an interview in Brazil that Antony was sexually aggressive towards her while she was on a business trip to England in October.
Gabriela promised that she will continue to fight for her claims to be taken seriously.
She said: “I will do everything in my power.
“I will not give up. People should be held accountable.
“It doesn’t matter what one’s profession is or how famous someone is.
“If they took action against his teammate, I don’t see why Antony should be treated any differently.”
Leading charity Women’s Aid – which supports victims of domestic abuse – welcomed the decision by Utd.
“We at Women’s Aid welcome the decision that, following serious allegations of domestic abuse and violence against women, Antony will not return to training or playing for [Manchester United] until further notice, because this situation is being resolved,” they said.
“Protection must always be a priority.”
In a statement, Man Utd said: “Manchester United acknowledges the allegations against Antony.
“Players who did not participate in international matches will return to training on Monday.
“However, it has been agreed with Antony that they will delay their return until further notice to deal with the allegations.
“As a club, we condemn violence and abuse.
“We recognize the importance of protecting all those involved in this situation and acknowledge the impact these allegations have on survivors of abuse.”
How you can get help
Women’s Aid has the following advice for victims and their families:
- Always keep your phone nearby.
- Get in touch with charities for help, including the Women’s Aid live chat helpline and services such as SupportLine.
- If you are in danger, call 999.
- Learn about the silent solution, by reporting abuse without speaking into the handset, instead of dialing “55”.
- Always have some cash with you, including change for a payphone or bus ticket.
- If you suspect that your partner is about to attack you, try to go to a less risky part of the house – for example, where there is an exit and access to a telephone.
- Avoid the kitchen and garage, where knives or other weapons are likely to be found. Avoid rooms where you could become trapped, such as a bathroom or where you could be locked in a closet or other small space.
If you are a victim of domestic abuse, the SupportLine is open on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 6pm to 8pm on 01708 765200. The charity’s email support service is open weekdays and weekends during a crisis – [email protected].
Women’s Aid offers a live chat service – available weekdays from 8am to 6pm and weekends from 10am to 6pm.
You can also call the free 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247.
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