MANCHESTER United winger Antony will not return to train with the club after domestic violence allegations by ex his Gabriela Cavallin.
He is currently being investigated by police in both Manchester and Sao Paolo – and was axed from the Brazil national team for their World Cup qualifiers this month.
United’s players who were not involved in the internationals 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 vowed to clear his name in a new statement released by the club.
Club sources insist he has not been suspended and will remain on full pay during his time away from Old Trafford.
They believe the move reflects how seriously the club are taking the allegations and they will continue to review the situation.
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Cavallin led calls for the £85million player to be dropped from the squad in an exclusive interview today with The Sun on Sunday.
The club had been facing increasing pressure to take action on Antony, especially after the controversy surrounding Mason Greenwood.
In a statement, Antony said: “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.
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“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.”
Gabriella, a model and DJ, today urged Old Trafford bosses to ban Antony from playing while police investigate claims he assaulted her.
She told The Sun on Sunday: “Antony needs to be taken off the pitch.
“It’s disappointing he’s still allowed to play while there’s an investigation.
“I am absolutely destroyed by the whole process. How can life go on as normal for him?
“They can’t just know what they know now and not do anything. He needs to be removed.”
Gabriela, 22, demanded to know why United bosses waited three months to respond to the abuse allegations.
It has been reported in Brazil that Gabriela has told police that £150,000-a-week Antony assaulted her four times.
If they took action against his teammate, I don’t see why Antony should be treated differently
Gabriella Cavallin
She previously alleged she was first attacked in June 2022 while pregnant and on holiday in Brazil.
And she claimed in January Antony headbutted and punched her in a Manchester hotel, damaging a breast implant.
And she claimed he threw a glass at her in May, injuring her finger.
Antony, who has made 31 appearances for United since the alleged incidents, has denied all wrongdoing.
For legal reasons, Gabriela has been careful not to speak about the allegations themselves in our interview as there is a police investigation.
She first filed a complaint in Brazil in June.
In tears, Gabriela told us: “Why did it take United three months?
“It’s just not OK. I prefer not to believe such a huge club, with such serious and professional people, would cover up a situation like this.”
Two more women have made similar claims against the winger.
Law student Rayssa de Freitas said she needed hospital treatment following an incident in May last year after she was allegedly attacked by Antony and a woman in his Land Rover after they left a Sao Paulo nightclub.
Ingrid Lana, a 33-year-old banker, has alleged in an interview in Brazil that Antony was sexually aggressive towards her while on a business trip to England in October.
Gabriela vowed to keep fighting for her claims to be taken seriously.
She said: “I will do everything in my power.
“I will not give up. People need to be held accountable.
“It doesn’t matter what profession or how famous someone might be.
“If they took action against his teammate, I don’t see why Antony should be treated differently.”
Leading charity Women’s Aid – which supports victims of domestic abuse – welcomed the decision by Utd.
“At Women’s Aid we welcome the decision that following serious allegations of domestic abuse and violence against women, Antony will not be returning to training or games for [Manchester United] until further notice, as this situation is addressed,” they said.
“Safeguarding must always be the priority.”
In a statement, Man Utd said: “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.
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“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.”
How you can get help
Women’s Aid has this 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.
- Familiarise yourself with the Silent Solution, reporting abuse without speaking down the phone, instead dialing “55”.
- Always keep some money on you, including change for a pay phone or bus fare.
- If you suspect your partner is about to attack you, try to go to a lower-risk area of the house – for example, where there is a way out and access to a telephone.
- Avoid the kitchen and garage, where there are likely to be knives or other weapons. Avoid rooms where you might become trapped, such as the bathroom, or where you might be shut into a cupboard or other small space.
If you are a victim of domestic abuse, SupportLine is open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 6pm to 8pm on 01708 765200. The charity’s email support service is open weekdays and weekends during the crisis – messageinfo@supportline.org.uk.
Women’s Aid provides a live chat service – available weekdays from 8am-6pm and weekends 10am-6pm.
You can also call the freephone 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
