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    Yobs who taunted Sunderland fans with pic of Bradley Lowery are brothers – as mum slams ‘low lifes’ and cops open probe

    THE vile football yobs who taunted Sunderland fans with a picture of Bradley Lowery are brothers, it has been revealed.Little Bradley captured the nation’s heart during his battle with cancer, but tragically died aged just six in 2017.
    Vile fans held up a photo of late Sunderland fan Bradley Lowery last nightCredit: Twitter/@sheffield wednesday
    His mum has now shared her heartbreak on FacebookCredit: Getty – Contributor
    Dale’s (pictured) former employer JRI Orthopaedics condemned his actionsCredit: Facebook
    The two yobs were brothers Dale and Drew Houghton (pictured)Credit: Facebook
    He was a mascot for his beloved Sunderland and, in the months before his death, led England out at Wembley alongside his hero – former Black Cats striker Jermain Defoe.
    Pictures circulated on X, formerly Twitter, showing two men laughing at the Sheffield Wednesday v Sunderland match at Hillsborough on Friday, with one of them holding up a picture of Bradley to the camera.
    It has now emerged the two yobs were brothers Dale and Drew Houghton.
    Dale’s former employer JRI Orthopaedics condemned his actions and claimed he “has not been employed” there for “some time”.
    Read more Sport News
    A full statement read: “JRI want to make clear that we do not condone the posts and images that has caused so much upset to so many people.
    “We wish to confirm that Dale Houghton is an ex-employee of JRI Orthopaedics and has not been employed by the business for some time.”
    In a post on Facebook, the Bradley Lowery Foundation, a charity set up by the boy’s mother Gemma, said: “This is so sad for me to see – whatever happened to ‘cancer has no colours’, let alone respect for a family that lost their baby to cancer?”
    A statement from the family read: “Today has not been the Saturday I was expecting, after receiving multiple calls and messages regarding a photo circulating on social media.
    Most read in Football
    “I have received a visit from the Durham Police to check that I am ok, and they have notified myself and Carl that Yorkshire police are now dealing with the situation and taking it very serious.
    “Understandably people are angry, if I wasn’t so upset I’d be angry to.
    “Bradley was and still is well loved in the football community, which I’m enternaly [sic] grateful for, but i must ask that everyone lets the police do their job, and deal with the low lives.
    “I want to thank Sheffield Wednesday, for their quick condemnation, and the support their fans have shown.
    “Like we always say, CANCER HAS NO COLOURS, and as we all know it can affect anyone at any time.
    “Thank you all for your kind words, it has really helped and let’s do what we do best at the Bradley Lowery Foundation and turn this negative into a positive. Let’s share this beautiful iconic photo.”
    A spokesperson for Sheffield Wednesday described their actions as “outrageous and deplorable” on X, while South Yorkshire Police said it was working with the club to identify the men.
    A spokesman for the force said: “We are working to investigate public order offences following the Sheffield Wednesday V Sunderland fixture yesterday.
    “We will be working with the club to identity those responsible.
    “Anyone with information is asked to get in touch online or by calling 101.”
    Sheffield Wednesday said in a statement: “We are aware of the images circulating and have launched an immediate investigation together with South Yorkshire Police.
    “We roundly condemn this outrageous and utterly deplorable behaviour.
    “We can only apologise for the undoubted distress caused to Bradley’s family and friends.”
    Young Bradley was a regular Sunderland mascot, holding the hand of his idol Defoe.
    In June 2017, he penned an emotional tribute to his “best pal” Bradley – saying his favourite part of playing for Sunderland was walking onto the pitch with the brave youngster.
    READ MORE SUN STORIES
    Defoe said he was heartbroken when he discovered the brave child could only have weeks to live.
    In the wake of Bradley’s death social media became flooded with messages filled with blue heart emojis in a show of support for him.
    Bradley struck up a friendship with Jermain Defoe when he played for the clubCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    JRI claimed he ‘has not been employed’ there for ‘some time’Credit: Facebook/JRI Orthopaedics
    Fans have now called for the vile pair to be banned
    The football-mad six-year-old captured the hearts of BritsCredit: Twiter / @Sheffield wednesday More

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    Antony’s ex-girlfriend Gabriela Cavallin breaks silence on domestic abuse claims – as Man Utd star returns to training

    ANTONY’S ex-girlfriend has broken her silence on domestic abuse claims after the Manchester United star returned to training.The Red Devils confirmed the £85million star would return to the fold yesterday after he was put on a leave of absence from the club.
    Gabriela Cavallin claimed she was attacked by the playerCredit: instagram
    Antony denies all allegations against himCredit: Reuters
    Antony denies all allegations and yesterday met with officers for a voluntary interview – where he is understood to have offered to hand over his phone.
    And now his accuser and ex-girlfriend Cavallin has broken her silence since his return.
    “Gabrela Cavallin’s attorneys inform that the crimes committed by the player are still being investigated by the Manchester Police and also the Brazilian Plice, which is why we believe that he will soon be sent to Court, where he will have to face a trial,” a press release read, according to MailOnline.
    “It seems obvious to us that fallacies would be created with the intention that the team bringing him back to training.”
    Read more Sports News
    He was today seen with his girlfriend Rosilene Silva returning to the stadium ahead of the club’s match against Crystal Palace.
    Wearing a sports jacket, Antony was pictured cradling the couple’s son – named Lorenzo.
    Roseilene, 24, was holding a black Man Utd branded umbrella as she lovingly covered her partner and their little boy.
    She appears to be standing by him despite the allegations of abuse from his ex and two other women.
    Most read in Football
    And earlier today, Antony was also pictured in the back of a black Mercedes fan as he arrived at The Carrington Training Complex.
    Man United boss Erik ten Hag yesterday insisted the embattled player’s return to the squad will not be a “distraction”.
    The club has faced numerous controversies in recent months – such as its handling of Mason Greenwood and ten Hag’s ongoing feud with Jadon Sancho.
    Dutch boss ten Hag said he has spoken to Antony.
    The Brazilian, who also faces accusations from one other woman after a third dropped their case, will not be available for selection for today’s fixture.
    The 23-year-old has not played for the club since their 3-1 defeat at Arsenal on September 3.
    He was given time off as he vowed to fight the allegations back in his native Brazil.
    And this week he returned to the UK ahead of his interview with Greater Manchester Police.
    Ten Hag will assess him to see if he is ready to face Galatasaray at home in the Champions League on Tuesday night.
    The Red Devils manager said: “I’ve spoken to him but that doesn’t give the impression how he is — how his mental status is. I can’t tell at this moment, first he has to be back.”
    Asked how he could be welcomed back while Jadon Sancho is exiled after his public bust-up with the boss, Dutchman Ten Hag replied: “Those issues are nothing to do with each other. One is internal, the other one is external.”
    United released the statement confirming the player’s return just over two hours before Ten Hag faced the media to preview the match against Crystal Palace.
    “We make the statement, so I refer to the statement,” Ten Hag said. “I think everything has been made clear in the statement.
    “No, I don’t think it’s a distraction. We focus on the games and he will do as well.”
    Asked for details on his return, the Dutchman said: “On Saturday, he will be back in the training, so tomorrow.
    “I have to see (how fit he is), but I think, yeah (he’s fit).”
    Ten Hag insisted he did not want to stray into “hypothetical” discussions about Antony or stray too far away from the club statement on Friday.
    It has been reported in Brazil that Gabriela has told police that £150,000-a-week Antony assaulted her four times.
    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.
    She also alleged he threw a glass at her in May, injuring her finger.
    Cavallin led calls for Antony to be dropped from the squad in an exclusive interview with The Sun on Sunday.
    Gabriela said: “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 cant just know what they know now and not do anything. He needs to be removed.”
    Antony gave a tearful interview earlier this month in which he denied the allegations made against him, and stated he does not fear for his United future.
    He said: “It’s something that doesn’t cross my mind. I never touched her.
    “I know that many are massacring me but the truth always comes out. I am 100 per cent sure that I have never touched a woman.
    “I dream of returning to the national team and I want to show that Antony is innocent of all this.”
    READ MORE SUN STORIES
    United parted ways with Mason Greenwood after charges of attempted rape, controlling and coercive behaviour and assault occasioning actual bodily harm against him were dropped.
    Old Trafford chiefs conducted their own investigation and decided it was “appropriate” for club and player to part company.
    Antony and his girlfriend Rosilene Silva arrive at Old TraffordCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke
    Gabriela had urged United to drop him amid the investigationCredit: The Sun
    The star was quizzed by police over allegations of abuseCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke More

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    Man Utd’s Antony WON’T be picked for Crystal Palace match despite return to training after police quiz on ‘abuse’ claims

    MANCHESTER United winger Antony will not play in Saturday’s match against Crystal Palace after being quizzed by cops on domestic abuse allegations.Earlier today the Red Devils said its £85million Brazilian ace would return to training following an agreed leave of absence.
    Antony will not be involved in training or play in today’s match against Crystal Palace, Man United announcedCredit: PA
    The announcement comes after Antony was seen leaving a police station in Manchester where he was quizzed by cops over domestic abuse allegationsCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke
    The ace, 23, was spotted leaving the cop shop yesterday following a five-hour grillingCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke
    Man United boss Erik Ten Hag said: “I don’t think it’s a distraction. We will focus on the games. He will do as well.
    “On Saturday, he will be back in training, so tomorrow.”
    The star faced a voluntary police interview yesterday following allegations of assault by his ex Gabriela Cavallin.
    He is currently being investigated by police in both Manchester and Sao Paulo – and was axed from the Brazil national team for their World Cup qualifiers this month.
    Read more about Antony
    It has been reported in Brazil that Gabriela has told police that £150,000-a-week Antony assaulted her four times.
    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.
    Most read in Football
    In a statement today, the Premier League club confirmed the £85million winger’s return to training at Carrington.
    But the star won’t be involved in training today or in Saturday’s match against Crystal Palace.
    Man Utd said: “Since allegations were first made in June, Antony has cooperated with police inquiries in both Brazil and the UK, and he continues to do so.
    “As Antony’s employer, Manchester United has decided that he will resume training at Carrington, and be available for selection, while police inquiries proceed.
    “This will be kept under review pending further developments in the case.
    “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, who has made 31 appearances for United since the alleged assaults, has denied all wrongdoing and vowed to clear his name.
    The announcement comes after the player was pictured leaving a Manchester police station following a five-hour grilling by cops.
    The winger landed at Manchester Airport on Monday night after flying in from Sao Paulo, Brazil to face the music.
    Antony allegedly contacted Greater Manchester Police and volunteered to meet them for questioning.
    The Man United ace is said to be planning to hand his phone over to officers to aid their investigations, The Times reports.
    And exactly 20 days ago, Cavallin led calls for Antony to be dropped from the squad in an exclusive interview with The Sun on Sunday.
    Gabriela said: “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.”
    READ MORE SUN STORIES
    Earlier this month, Antony was granted an indefinite leave of absence from the Red Devils.
    Club sources had insisted he had not been suspended and would remain on full pay during his time away from Old Trafford.
    Antony’s ex Gabriela Cavallin accused him of domestic violenceCredit: Instagram More

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    Woman ‘sexually assaulted by pal of Benjamin Mendy after going to party at ex-Man City star’s home’

    A WOMAN was sexually assaulted by a friend of football star Benjamin Mendy after going to a party at the ex-Manchester City player’s home, a court heard yesterday.The woman — 22 at the time — was in a car at the gates of Mendy’s house with his pal Louis Saha Matturie when she was allegedly attacked in 2021, the jury was told.
    Louis Saha Matturie denies charges of rape and sexual assault against him
    The prosecution claims it happened three months after Matturie raped two teenagers — aged 19 and 17 — in separate incidents at lockdown parties at his flat in Salford in 2021.
    Matturie, 42, of Eccles, Gtr Manchester, denies sexual assault in the car.
    He also denies two charges of rape and a further sexual assault.
    The trial continues at Chester crown court.
    READ MORE BENJAMIN MENDY More

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    Football legend and ex-Chelsea star investigated by cops for ‘match fixing’

    A FOOTBALL legend and ex-Chelsea star is being investigated by cops for alleged match fixing.Former Blues striker Samuel Eto’o has been the president of Cameroon’s football federation since December 2021 – and is accused of helping to rig matches in the west African country’s second tier.
    Ex-Chelsea star Samuel Eto’o is being investigated for match-fixingCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
    The star spent only one season at Stamford BridgeCredit: Rex
    The allegations were first made in July, after a recording was leaked of a conversation between Eto’o and Victoria United president Valentine Nkwain, also known as Bobdidy.
    In the recording, Eto’o allegedly promised to promote Victoria FC, nicknamed Opopo, from the second division to the top flight by fixing matches.
    Camfoot reports that he allegedly said: “There are things we can do – but you have to be very discreet, brother.
    “Don’t worry, we’ll give you your three points and we will suspend the referee.
    Read More Sport
    “Opopo must go up to the first division. This is our goal. This is our federation. Victoria United will go up.”
    Victoria United went on to be promoted in April.
    Eto’o denies the accusations, and Nkwain said it was not his voice on the recording.
    Cops are now probing alleged “abuse of authority and corruption” in Cameroonian football involving 40 people.
    Most read in Football
    Eto’o told Gazzetta dello Sport he was “talking to a friend, someone who invests in football and wants to make his club one of the best in Cameroon”.
    He added: “I just reassured him by saying that I would have done everything possible to avoid any refereeing errors against him.”
    Eto’o scored 12 goals in his only season with Chelsea, including strikes against Liverpool, Tottenham, Arsenal and a hat-trick against Manchester United.
    Despite this, a falling out with gaffer Jose Mourinho saw the player leave the club at the end of the 2013/14 season.
    Eto’o joined Everton in the 2014/15 season, scoring on his debut against Chelsea in a 6-3 loss at Goodison Park.
    He scored four goals during his short stay in Merseyside, leaving in January of that season to join Sampdoria. More

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    Ex-world boxing champion Glenn McCrory cleared of sex assault after ‘calling waitress “pet” & touching her elbow’

    FORMER world champion boxer Glenn McCrory has been cleared of sexual assault after allegedly calling a waitress “pet” and touching her elbow.A jury at the Old Bailey found the star not guilty of three counts of sexual assault after deliberating for just 90 minutes.
    Glenn McCrory outside the Old Bailey today after he was cleared of sexual assaultCredit: Central News
    McCrory with his world champion belt in 1990Credit: Getty
    McCrory fighting Lennox Lewis at the Royal Albert HallCredit: PA
    McCrory, 59, had been a guest speaker at the pre-fight dinner before the Anthony Joshua v Oleksandr Uysk world heavyweight title bout at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on 26 September 2021.
    He said that he only touched three waitresses’ arms in a bid to get their attention.
    Prosecutors claimed he deliberately used the term ‘pet’ in an overly flirtatious way – but the boxer told the jury the word is commonly used by Geordies.
    The former world champion boxer said when he arrived at the venue the member of staff who greeted him did not know who he was – could not find his name on the guest list.
    Read More Sport
    McCrory said he had to lean down to speak to her as she was petite and it was noisy, but he had no recollection of touching her.
    He said: “I just leaned down. I may well have touched her elbow but I am a big guy so I would never be forceful.”
    The court was shown CCTV footage of McCrory at the entrance to the dining hall showing him talking with one of the alleged victims.
    It clearly shows him touching her elbow with his hand as he leaned down to speak to her.
    Most read in Boxing
    He told jurors that he was asking her where his table was, and that he touched her elbow due to their height difference.
    Scott Brady, defending, asked: “Do you think you were intending to be flirtatious?”
    The ex-fighter replied: ‘No.’ He also denied winking to her.
    After he had given his speech, which lasted 20-30 minutes, McCrory returned to his table.
    He said he hadn’t been given a starter, after being told one would be kept for him.
    McCrory said when he tried to raise this one of the servers had a “troubled reaction” to his use of the word “pet” while speaking to her.
    He said: “Everyone on the table noticed the reaction.”
    All I wanted to do was get my dinner and watch the fightGlenn McCrory
    McCrory added that in the north-east of England the word ‘pet’ is a term of endearment, and is often used to address young women in the same way you might address a man as ‘mate’.
    He said that when she came back to his table he tried to get her attention to ask her about his starter.
    The boxing star said: “She turned her back on me as I was trying to talk to her, blatantly ignoring me, so I touched her elbow.
    “I was trying to get her attention. She turned around and said it was in the bin.
    “All I wanted to do was get my dinner and watch the fight.”
    CCTV footage played in court showed McCrory interacting with other guests at the event.
    A number of people were taking selfies with the former champion as he hugged and put his arms around them.
    “You are being very tactile with these people,” Mr Brady said.
    McCrory agreed, adding: “If they are being friendly and I am in the right environment.”
    He added that this was the way he normally interacted with others at events like this.
    Mr Brady asked him: “If you touched those waitresses…was there anything sexual about it?”
    McCrory replied: “Absolutely not.” He also said he has poor eyesight, and has scar tissue in his eyes due to congenital problems and damage sustained during his boxing career.
    This can cause him to rub his eyes and blink a lot.
    The women had claimed McCrory touched them in a sexual manner without their consent, repeatedly winked at them and slurred his words.
    It’s how we talk. That’s part of the Geordie.Glenn McCrory
    McCrory – a cruiserweight once known as the ‘Northern Warrior’ – had insisted he was misunderstood and people are friendlier in the north east than in London.
    In his police interview he said he said he had no recollection of touching a waitress, but that if he had done so it would only have been to get their attention.
    He described the service as ‘very poor’ and said one server ‘scarpered’ when he approached her to ask where the toilet was.
    McCrory said that using words like ‘pet’ was normal in the north-east of England, and that he had not intended to cause any offence.
    He explained: “It’s how we talk. That’s part of the Geordie.
    “I very well could have called her a darling, called her a pet, but 100 per cent how we speak.’
    He said that he was unaware anything untoward had happened that night, and that he had been ‘astounded’ when he later received a letter from the police notifying him of the complaints.
    READ MORE SUN STORIES
    Asked if he had intended to cause any of the waitresses stress or alarm he replied: “Absolutely not.”
    McCrory, of Burnopfield, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, denied and was cleared of three charges of sexual assault.
    The former world champion in action against Patrick Lumumba in 1989Credit: Getty More

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    Man Utd star Antony pictured heading to police station to face quiz over claims he assaulted his ex Gabriela Cavallin

    MANCHESTER United star Antony has been pictured heading to the police station amid allegations that he attacked his former lover. The 23-year-old is said to have voluntarily headed to the cop shop to face questions regarding Gabriela Cavallin’s claims.
    Antony pictured leaving his Manchester home and heading to the police stationCredit: Zenpix
    The Brazilian star has been accused of assault by his ex-partnerCredit: PA
    The winger landed at Manchester Airport on Monday night after flying in from Sao Paulo, Brazil, to face the music.
    Antony apparently contacted Greater Manchester Police and volunteered to meet them for questioning.
    He is set to deny the claims that he attacked his ex-girlfriend Gabriela, leaving her with a sliced finger and head wound.
    The Man United ace is said to be planning to hand his phone over to officers to aid their investigations, the Times reports.
    READ MORE ON ANTONY
    Antony was seen leaving his home in Hale Barns – which is Paul Pogba’s former mansion – just before 4pm this afternoon.
    His current partner Rosilene Silva was also pictured leaving the sprawling property shortly before he departed.
    A source said: “Antony is adamant he has done nothing wrong and wants to sit down with officers and let them ask him questions.
    “He has nothing to hide and will hand over anything they want to see including his mobile phone.
    Most read in Football
    “He wants to be exonerated as quickly as possible so he can get on with his football career again without any distractions.”
    He was also voluntarily interviewed by Brazilian cops in June and was free to leave for the UK after cooperating with Sao Paulo police.
    Gabriela, 22, has accused the £85million winger of assaulting her on numerous occasions throughout their relationship.
    She claimed that she was first attacked in June last year, while pregnant and on holiday in Brazil.
    The model and DJ alleged that Antony then headbutted and punched her, damaging a breast implant, at a hotel in Manchester on January 15.
    And she claimed he threw a glass at her in May, injuring her finger.
    Two other women have made similar claims against the footballer.
    Antony has been granted an indefinite leave of absence from United amid the serious allegations made against him.
    Gabriela led calls for the £150,000-a-week star to be dropped from the squad in an exclusive interview with The Sun on Sunday.
    Antony denies any wrongdoing and gave a tearful TV interview in which he said: “I know the truth and it will come out.
    READ MORE SUN STORIES
    “I’m 100 per cent sure I never touched a woman and I’ll come up with the evidence.
    “I’m sure I’ve never committed physical violence.”
    A number of vehicles were seen outside his Hale Barns homeCredit: Zenpix
    Cops in Brazil and the UK have been investigating Gabriella Cavallin’s allegationsCredit: Instagram More

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    Man Utd to keep Antony on indefinite leave as he arrives in UK for voluntary police interview on domestic abuse claims

    ANTONY will remain on indefinite leave from Manchester United – despite flying back into the UK last night.The Brazilian winger has been back in his homeland since the beginning of this month when allegations of domestic abuse surfaced.
    Man Utd ace Antony has returned to England from BrazilCredit: The Sun
    The winger says he is innocent of all allegationsCredit: PA
    Three different women have made accusations about the £85 million former Ajax ace – but he has strongly denied them all.
    Now, Antony will voluntarily take questions from Greater Manchester Police and has agreed to hand over his phone for examination.
    Officers in Brazil allowed him to return to England after he fully co-operated with their enquiries and stated they do not require any more information from him.
    On September 10, United announced that the player was being granted time away from the club on full pay to focus on clearing his name.
    READ MORE MAN UTD NEWS
    That process will now remain on-going so the 23-year-old will not be available to Erik ten Hag for the Red Devils’ forthcoming fixtures.
    A total of four alleged attacks are described in a police report seen by ESPN.
    Last night, Antony returned to Manchester from Brazil’s Sao Paulo airport as he prepares to face police over allegations that he attacked a former lover.
    A source said: “Antony is adamant he has done nothing wrong and wants to sit down with officers and let them ask him questions.
    Most read in Football
    “He has nothing to hide and will hand over anything they want to see including his mobile phone.
    “He wants to be exonerated as quickly as possible so he can get on with his football career again without any distractions.”
    He is accused by his ex Gabriela Cavallin of attacking her on January 15 in a Manchester hotel.
    She alleged that he headbutted and punched her, damaging a breast implant when she was carrying Antony’s child around 16 weeks into her pregnancy.
    Last week, Cavallin posted an emotional tribute to the baby she lost with the footballer.
    In an Instagram story, the 22-year-old DJ insisted she’s “stronger” after having a miscarriage just over a year ago.
    Gabriela’s heartbreaking tribute came shortly after her chauffeur spoke to Brazilian cops as part of the probe into the winger’s domestic abuse allegations.
    The driver claimed he received a phone call from the social media influencer who told him: “Antony is hitting me,” according to Extra.
    Earlier this month, Gabriela urged Old Trafford bosses to ban Antony from playing while investigations take place in Sao Paulo and Manchester.
    Cavallin says she dated the Brazil World Cup ace on and off for two years and lived with him in Amsterdam while he played for Ajax.
    Antony denies any wrongdoing and recently gave a tearful TV interview in which he said: “I know the truth and it will come out.
    READ MORE SUN STORIES
    “I’m 100 per cent sure I never touched a woman and I’ll come up with the evidence.
    “I’m sure I’ve never committed physical violence.”
    Gabriela Cavallin has accused Antony of attacking herCredit: instagram
    The tearful TV interview in which Antony vowed to clear his name
    The winger is now on indefinite leave from Man UtdCredit: Getty More