Manchester United have denied that they tried to cowl up allegations of bodily abuse levelled at Brazilian winger Antony by his ex-girlfriend.
The 23-year-old was dropped by Brazil after accusations of bodily aggression on quite a few events since January in direction of his former accomplice Gabriela Cavallin. Antony, who has made 31 appearances since Cavallin made a grievance to Higher Manchester Police (GMP) in January, has denied the claims.
Cavallin’s legal professionals have recommended to Sao Paulo Civil Police that United despatched a player-support officer to the Hyatt Regency Lodge in Manchester, the place an alleged assault happened in January, and that the officer referred to as for a membership physician to evaluate her accidents to discourage her from attending hospital and arousing suspicion.
Her legal professionals have requested Sao Paulo Police to research the help officer’s actions and have requested CCTV footage from the resort, based on experiences in Brazil.
Nonetheless, Manchester United issued a brief assertion rejecting the claims. “Any suggestion that the membership coated up these allegations is categorically false,” it learn.
In an interview with Brazilian web site UOL – which additionally revealed pictures and screenshots of messages between the pair – Cavallin claims she was attacked by Antony “with a headbutt” within the Manchester resort room on 15 January, leaving her with a reduce head which wanted remedy.
Cavallin, a social media influencer, additionally alleges she was punched within the chest by Antony, which she claims prompted harm to a silicone breast implant which required corrective surgical procedure again in Brazil.
One other alleged incident is claimed to have taken place at a home on 8 Could, with Cavallin saying she suffered a reduce finger whereas making an attempt to guard herself, accusing Antony of throwing a glass cup in direction of her in addition to then taking her passport.
Cavallin is claimed to have filed a report back to Sao Paulo Civil Police regarding allegations of bodily and verbal abuse by Antony whereas on vacation in Brazil throughout June 2022, when she was pregnant, in addition to making a separate grievance to GMP.
“Manchester United acknowledges the allegations made towards Antony and notes that the police are conducting enquiries,” stated an preliminary membership assertion.
“Pending additional info, the membership will likely be making no additional feedback. As a membership, we’re taking this matter severely, with consideration of the affect of those allegations and subsequent reporting may have on survivors of abuse.”
Brazil have dropped Antony from their squad for his or her upcoming worldwide fixtures however United haven’t stated whether or not the participant stays out there for choice.
Writing on Instagram earlier this week, Antony, who signed for United from Ajax in an £85.5m deal in September 2022, dismissed the claims as “false accusations”.
“From the start I’ve handled this matter with seriousness and respect, offering the required clarifications earlier than the police authority,” he wrote. “Nonetheless, I can calmly state that the accusations are false and that the proof already produced and the opposite proof that will likely be produced show that I’m harmless of the accusations made.
“My relationship with Gabriela was tumultuous, with verbal insults from either side, however I by no means dedicated any bodily aggression. Subsequently, I come to vehemently deny the accusations made and inform you that I stay on the complete disposal of the Brazilian authorities to make clear no matter is critical.
“I belief that the continuing police investigations will show the reality about my innocence.”
Extra reporting by PA