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    Terrifying world of AC Milan’s ‘Ultras Warriors’ who pledge to ‘cheer, scream & fight’ for club as Newcastle fan stabbed

    THOUSANDS of Newcastle fans have descended on Milan ahead of the club’s Champions League Clash on Tuesday. But there is more concern surrounding the drama that could unfold off the pitch as supporters of the Magpies face off with AC Milan’s diehard admirers.
    AC Milan’s diehard fans ominously vow to ‘cheer, incite, scream and fight’ for their clubCredit: Getty
    The Ultras Warriors have risen from the ashes of the disbanded Fossa dei LeoniCredit: Getty
    The group is reportedly led by convicted drug trafficker Luca LucciCredit: Getty
    The uber-organised Ultras Warriors vow to “cheer, incite, scream and fight” for their club, apparently without fear of the consequences.
    Despite their burning passion for football being at the forefront of their mission, flying fists, flares and anarchy often take centre stage.
    A Newcastle fan has already been ambushed and stabbed by at least seven masked thugs ahead of the game in the Italian city.
    The horror incident involving Brit dad Eddie McKay, 58, has incited fears that more blood could be shed in football-related incidents.
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    A new generation of fans, formed out of the infamous Fossa dei Leoni (Lion’s Den) association, are now carrying the torch for their beloved club.
    But their penchant for violence, political disruption and fierce rivalries remains at the heart of the group.
    The Fossa dei Leoni, originally formed in 1968, is credited with pioneering the modern ultra movement in Italy.
    The group offered unwavering support to their club and belted out lyrics ridden with loyalty from Ramp 18 in the San Siro Stadium.
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    They later dominated the Curva Sud, becoming the heartbeat of the Diavolo support while joining up with members of the Brigate Rossonere and the Commandos Tigre.
    But the infusion of supporters was notoriously strained due to differing political ideologies, sparking a series of explosive rifts.
    Fossa eventually disbanded in 2005 following a bizarre row over a stolen banner during a match between Milan and Juventus.
    The firm supposedly managed to steal a flag from an ultra group supporting their rivals, known as Viking, and unfurled it triumphantly in the Curva Sud.
    But it later emerged that rather than swiping the flag, it had been acquired “without honour” – going against Fossa’s unwritten rules.
    Juventus fans later sought revenge and nabbed one of the group’s banners, before tauntingly posting it on the Viking’s fanzine.
    Both banners were eventually returned to their rightful owners, but rumours that police were involved in the truce began to circulate.
    This would be regarded as another deadly sin – and the dissolution of Fossa did little to quell the speculation, or put an end to the infighting.
    A bloody battle ensued, reportedly exacerbated by a merchandising and tickets row, resulting in one Milan fan being shot in the legs.
    Brigate Rossonere and Commandos Tigre lived on, while former Fossa members rebranded as the Ultras Warriors.
    Announcing their formation, the group said they were “born from the synergy of some militants of the former Fossa dei Leoni”.
    A press release read: “The new Warriors who, in serenity and agreement with the rest of the groups of the curve; we will fill the void left both in the south and in our hearts.
    “Like the majority of Italian fans, we are not characterized by any political ideology, neither red nor black, but only and exclusively red and black. 
    “We are an independent group and our only purpose is to cheer, incite, scream, fight… for one cause only… our Magical Milan.”
    The apolitical group is reportedly headed by Luca Lucci, who is currently serving a seven-year stretch for drug trafficking charges.
    The background of their alleged leader has raised fears the Ultras Warriors are now more of a mafia than a gang of football fans.
    Italian media claim Lucci was heard discussing the killing of the legendary head of the Inter Milan Ultras, Vittorio Boiocchi.
    The 69-year-old, who spent 26 years behind bars, was shot dead outside of his house on the outskirts of Milan in October last year.
    According to Calcio Mercato, Lucci warned a crime boss: “Boiocchi? You have to kill him, Vittorio is crazy, he’ll kill you. You have to throw him down.”
    With rigorous weekly meetings, the cult-like supporters of AC Milan remain a structured and scary presence.
    Members of the Ultras Warriors are expected to line the stands of San Siro as they watch their club take on Newcastle.
    The Toon’s return to the Champions League after 20 years is predicted to be explosive both on and off the pitch.
    In crazy scenes, Brits have already been seen sliding topless in the slippery streets of Milan with dozens watching on.
    Magpies fans had to scramble to bag one of the 4,300 seats dedicated to the visiting team and they’ve long been sold out.
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    But other loyal supporters have still rushed to the city without a ticket.
    The last time the team played away from home in this competition was also in Milan back in 2003, where 12,000 visiting fans watched 2-2 draw with Inter.
    Years of infighting and differing political stances caused Fossa to fall apartCredit: Getty
    Flares and flying fists are a regular occurrence following matches at the San Siro StadiumCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    It is feared Italian fans will give Newcastle supporters a more than frosty receptionCredit: Getty More

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    Newcastle fan stabbed three times in Milan after being ‘ambushed by pack of eight thugs’ ahead of Champions League tie

    A NEWCASTLE United fan was ambushed and stabbed by a pack of men in Milan ahead of the club’s Champions League clash.Brit Eddie McKay, 58, was with his son when he was viciously attacked by seven or eight knife-wielding thugs wearing balaclavas around midnight.
    The Toon fan is pictured being treated by emergency services following the stabbing
    Local cops are investigating whether it was a football-related attack
    Italian police confirmed to The Sun that the man was targeted in a neighbourhood in downtown Milan on Navigli where he was walking with others.
    Cops described the pack as a “bunch of men wearing hooded sweatshirts” who stabbed the victim twice on the arm and the “deeply” in the back.
    The Newcastle supporter was then saved by police and taken straight to a hospital under a “code red”, according to local media.
    The 58-year-old is said to now be in a stable condition and will be hopefully discharged later today.
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    The motive behind the stabbing is not currently known and nothing was stolen from the victim.
    Italian police say they are currently investigating whether it was a football-related attack or something else.
    Mr McKay’s family will be flying to Milan later today to be by his side.
    McKay’s daughter, Rachel, told Sky News: “My dad is stable and in a bit of shock. He’s gutted he’s missing the match, but just wants every other Newcastle fan out here to be aware and be safe.
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    “He has just had two knee replacements, so he fell when he was being chased and that is when he was attacked.
    “My brother is okay, but is in shock after seeing that happen to our dad. I’m flying out there later. We haven’t slept all night.”
    A Newcastle United spokesperson told The Sun: “We are deeply concerned by reports that a supporter was seriously assaulted in Milan on Monday evening and we are liaising with local authorities to understand the circumstances.
    “Our thoughts are with the supporter and his family and we hope for a full and speedy recovering.”
    Around 5,000 Newscastle fans have flocked to the Italian city to cheer on the Magpies in their match against AC Milan at the iconic stadium of San Siro.
    It was a scramble for the 4,300 seats dedicated to the visiting team and they’ve long been sold out, while other loyal fans still rushed to the city without a ticket.
    It will be The Toon’s first Champions League game in 20 long years, making it their first taste of top-tier European football in a generation.
    But their preparations have not been plain sailing after their flight to Milan was delayed by three hours due to a storm.
    Meanwhile, footage shared on social media revealed the Magpie fans have certainly made the most of the occasion.
    In crazy scenes, the fans can be seen sliding topless in the slippery streets of Milan with dozens watching on.
    At the riverside, the Toon Army made a true show of force as they donned stripey black and white hats, scarfs and shirts, partied and waved the Magpie’s flags.
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    Spirits of the revellers appeared high, although Newcastle has a lot to prove as they kick of their European campaign.
    The last time the team played away from home in this competition was also in Milan back in 2003, where 12,000 visiting fans watched 2-2 draw with Inter.
    Newcastle fans are gearing up to watch their team clash with AC Milan tonightCredit: Reuters
    Spirits are high ahead of the mighty gameCredit: PA
    The riverside was awash with the Magpie’s coloursCredit: Reuters More

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    I was abused by Barry Bennell when I was on a youth team – Gary Speed was among four he coached who took their lives

    ONE of Barry Bennell’s young victims told how ex-Premier League star Gary Speed was among four men who later took their own lives having been coached by the serial paedophile.Former Wales international midfielder and manager Speed played for one of the junior football teams run by sex offender Bennell, who has died in prison aged 70.
    Premier League star Gary Speed was coached as a kid by Barry BennellCredit: PA:Press Association
    Serial paedophile Bennell has died in jail aged 70Credit: PA
    One of Bennell’s victims told a Liverpool Crown Court trial in 2018 how he tried to contact Speed’s parents after their son hanged himself at the age of 42 in November 2011.
    Speed was Wales manager at the time of his death, having played in the Premier League for Leeds United, Everton, Newcastle United and Bolton Wanderers.
    Bennell’s death was confirmed this afternoon by the Prison Service.
    The Sun understands that the paedophile, who had cancer, died on Saturday morning at HMP Littlehey in Cambridgeshire.
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    Bennell had worked in the 1980s and 1990s as a youth coach at Crewe Alexandra, Manchester City and Stoke City.
    He also had links to youth teams across Cheshire, Derbyshire, Greater Manchester and Staffordshire, exploiting his position to sexually abuse young boys.
    Bennell was first put behind bars for four years in the United States in 1994 after abusing a 13-year-old British boy at a football camp in Florida.
    He later returned to Britain, where his lengthy record as a predator was exposed in 1997 by Channel 4’s Dispatches film Soccer’s Foul Play.
    Most read in Football
    Bennell was imprisoned for nine years at Chester Crown Court after admitting 23 charges dating back to the 1970s.
    He confessed in 2015 to enticing a boy under the age of 14 to commit an act of gross indecency in the early 1980s, receiving a further two years in jail.
    More courageous victims then came forward after ex-footballer Andy Woodward went public with how he had been groomed and abused by Bennell for four years, starting when he was aged only 11.
    Bennell was found guilty of more than 50 sexual offences against 22 boys at Liverpool Crown Court in 2018 and sentenced to 34 years.
    That trial heard from a victim who brought up Speed’s name, as he told the court: “Four people from teams I have played with, with Bennell, have taken their own lives.
    “Whether they have taken their lives due to Barry solely, I don’t know, but all I know is how it’s had an impact on me and how it could impact on other people.”
    Speed’s mum Carol has said her son was interviewed twice by police over Bennell and insisted he was never assaulted.
    And his dad Gary said: “I don’t think so – Gary wouldn’t have it. Honestly, no way.
    “He was old enough in the head even at that age he knew what he wanted. He was a clever lad.”
    But an alleged witness claimed Bennell assaulted him while Gary was in the same bed — and said he was “99.9 per cent certain” the future star suffered the same sickening treatment.
    Bennell’s death on Saturday came at HMP Littlehey, a prison for sex offenders.
    Eight men abused by Bennell are reportedly appealing after having their damages claim against Manchester City dismissed by the High Court.
    An inquest into Speed’s death recorded a narrative verdict, saying he died from “self-suspension” but with the coroner unable to say whether he intended to kill himself.
    Hours before his death Speed had appeared as a guest on BBC1 show Football Focus.
    He then watched Newcastle play at Old Trafford against Manchester United alongside former team-mate Alan Shearer, before driving home to Huntington in Cheshire.
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    His widow Louise, who discovered his body, later revealed a poignant letter he wrote about his mental health struggles when aged just 17.
    Louise suffered more heartbreak earlier this year when her new husband Quinton Bird died from brain cancer aged 53.
    If you are affected by any of the issues raised in this article, please call the Samaritans for free on 116123.
    Midfielder Speed’s last club was Sheffield United before he became Wales managerCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    Bennell was given a 34-year prison term at Liverpool Crown Court in 2018Credit: PA:Press Association More

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    Barry Bennell dead – Paedo football coach who abused more than 20 boys while working at top clubs dies in prison aged 70

    PAEDO football coach Barry Bennell has died in prison aged 70 – after he abused more than 20 boys at top clubs.The Sun understands that the predator, who had cancer, died at HMP Littlehey in Cambridgeshire on Saturday morning.
    Paedo coach Barry Bennell has died in prisonCredit: PA
    The predator abused more than 20 boysCredit: PA:Press Association
    Bennell was a youth coach at Crewe Alexandra, Manchester City and Stoke City in the 1980s and 1990s.
    He also had links to youth teams across Cheshire, Derbyshire, Staffordshire and Greater Manchester – and used his position to sexually abuse boys.
    The paedo was first jailed for four years in the US in 1994 after he abused a 13-year-old British boy at a football camp in Florida.
    Bennell returned to the UK, where his broader record as an predator was exposed by the 1997 Channel 4 Dispatches film Soccer’s Foul Play.
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    He was jailed for nine years at Chester Crown Court after admitting 23 offences dating back to the 1970s.
    In 2015 Bennell pleaded guilty to enticing a boy under the age of 14 to commit an act of gross indecency in the early 1980s – and was jailed for two more years.
    More brave victims came forward after footballer Andy Woodward revealed he had been groomed and abused by Bennell for four years, starting when he was just 11.
    He was convicted of more than 50 sexual offences against 22 boys at Liverpool Crown Court in 2018.
    Most read in Football
    Handing the monster a 34-year jail term, the judge described him as the “devil incarnate”.
    Bennell was jailed at HMP Littlehey, a prison for sex offenders in Cambridgeshire.
    The court heard how Bennell contacted one of his former victims through Facebook to tell him that his cancer diagnosis was “payback”.
    Eight men abused by Bennell are reportedly appealing after the High Court dismissed their damages claim against Manchester City.
    One of the men slammed City’s “callous” compensation scheme for Bennell’s victims.
    A Prison Service spokeswoman said: “Prisoner Barry Bennell died at HMP Littlehey on 16 September 2023.
    “As with all deaths in custody, the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman will investigate.” More

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    Pro footballer who crashed his car and smashed into driver after taking laughing gas is jailed

    A PRO footballer has been jailed for a year for causing a horrific car crash after taking laughing gas.Flynn Clarke’s BMW swerved into the opposite carriageway in April last year – and into a motorhome.
    Flynn Clarke has been jailed for a year for causing a car crash after taking laughing gasCredit: Getty
    A court heard the Norwich City player, 20, lost control after clipping a kerb while exiting a roundabout.
    The driver of the motorhome which suffered significant injuries, while a male passenger in the BMW said he feared he’d never walk again.
    Clarke, who has also played for Scotland’s under-21 side, admitted three counts of causing serious injury by dangerous driving.
    Peterborough Crown Court heard he also accepts having used nitrous oxide – more commonly known as laughing gas.
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    However, there were “unclear and conflicting accounts” whether it had been taken at the time or immediately prior to the collision.
    Jailing Clarke for 12 months and banning him from driving for 30 months, Judge Sean Enright said his actions had led to “immense harm”.
    Prosecutors said witnesses had described the young professional footballer driving in an “indecisive manner” and struggling to stay in his lane prior to the crash, which occurred on the A47 near Thorney, Cambs.
    He was driving with his girlfriend in the front passenger seat and three male friends in the back, the court was told.
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    Clarke’s BMW then swerved into the opposite carriageway and ploughed head-on into a motorhome.
    The owner of the motorhome vehicle, a HGV driver, said he has been unable to work since the crash which left him with a fractured pelvis, knee, hip and ankle.
    He has since been forced to undergo multiple operations including a hip replacement.
    In a victim impact statement read to the court, he added that his injuries had left him unable to do things he previously took for granted – including playing football with his grandson.
    The victim said: “Over the last 16 months I have been in pain and discomfort.
    “This incident sends a shiver up my back when I think of it, and how the consequences should have been very different.”
    A 21-year-old passenger in Clarke’s BMW told the court he’d feared he may never walk again after being airlifted to hospital with internal bleeding, having sustained a broken collar bone, sternum and vertebrae.
    The young man added he could be in pain for the rest of his life and that, while Clarke did not set out to cause the crash, he “has to live with the consequences”.
    Clarke’s defence counsel, Tommy Dominguez KC, said the crash had occurred due to a “momentary lapse of concentration” and added that Clarke had shown “significant remorse”.
    “He has not looked to offer any excuses,” he said. “He has taken full responsibility for his actions.”
    The court was also told Norwich City was likely to terminate the footballer’s employment if he was sent to prison.
    Judge Enright also banned Clarke from driving for 30 months.
    Clarke, born in Peterborough, Cambs., was signed by Norwich in 2021 after just a handful of senior appearances for Peterborough United.
    He had a brief loan spell with League Two club Walsall last year and was signed on loan earlier this month by National League outfit Dagenham & Redbridge.
    He made his debut for Scotland’s U21 side in September last year and was on the score sheet during a 1-1 draw with Northern Ireland.
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    In a statement, Norwich City said they would ‘”consider the matter internally in accordance with its own disciplinary procedure”.
    It is currently not illegal to possess or use nitrous oxide. However, earlier this week MPs voted in favour of making it a Class C drug. More

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    Real Madrid player among three arrested at training over underage sex video ‘is rising star & Premier League prospect’

    A PROMISING defender linked to the Premier League is one of the three Real Madrid players arrested over a sex tape involving an underage girl, it is understood.Spanish police arrested three men at Real Madrid’s Valdebebas training ground in the capital on Thursday, but have not yet named any of the trio.
    The encounter was allegedly filmed at the Amadores Beach ClubCredit: Amadores Beach Club
    Spanish cops arrested three men at Real Madrid’s training groundCredit: Alamy
    The underage teen’s mum went to cops after a video of the encounter is alleged to have been shared on WhatsApp without her consent.
    News outlets in Gran Canaria have now revealed one of the trio arrested is a rising star who was linked to two Premier League clubs earlier this year as a prospective player.
    Reports claim the arrested footballers were among a group of four men and three women who partied together at a VIP chill-out area at Amadores Beach Club in Puerto Rico in June.
    The Premier League-linked footballer is alleged to have gone to the pool area with one of the women while the two others stayed with the three other Real Madrid players “to have consensual sex”.
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    Island newspaper La Provincia reported that one of the women later suspected one of the players had used his phone to record the encounter.
    The report claimed: “The players involved admitted filming but promised to erase the content.
    “Two months after that day two of the girls, one of whom is underage, discovered the video filmed in June was being shared among WhatsApp groups.
    “It’s then that the mother of the minor decided to report it.”
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    It is claimed the player immediately erased the clip from his phone.
    Spanish police confirmed late on Thursday they had arrested a Real Madrid Castilla player and two Real Madrid C players.
    A fourth man questioned by police, another player for Real Madrid C which is Real Madrid’s second reserve team, has not been formally arrested.
    None of the four have appeared yet before an investigating judge at a court in the municipality of San Bartolome de Tirajana, where the probe is being led.
    They are expected to receive a court summons once the judge receives the police report.
    A spokesman for the Civil Guard in Gran Canaria said: “A mother accompanied by her daughter under the age of 16 has reported to police in Santa Maria de Guía in Las Palmas province in Gran Canaria that there are supposedly some recordings of her daughter’s consensual sexual relations, which were recorded without her consent and which she now knows are being circulated.
    “The events that occurred in the municipality of Mogan date back to mid-June but she said she has now learned these images exist.
    “For this reason, Court 3 in San Bartolome de Tirajana has ordered the Civil Guard to make several people available to the court.”
    Confirming none of the detainees were from Real Madrid’s first team, the spokesman added: “Their mobiles have been seized and they have been freed for the time being.
    “The arrests occurred this morning. One of the detainees is a Real Madrid Castilla player and the other two are Real Madrid C players.
    “Another player from Real Madrid C is being investigated.”
    Real Madrid said in a statement last night: “Real Madrid wishes to announce that it has learned that a Castilla player and three Real Madrid C players have made statements to the Civil Guard in relation to a complaint about the alleged broadcasting of a private video via WhatsApp.
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    “When the club has detailed knowledge of the facts, we will take the appropriate measures.”
    The age of consent in Spain was raised from 13 to 16 in 2015, meaning teenagers of that age can have sex but cannot drive cars on Spanish roads or vote. More

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    Ex-LaLiga ace could be killed ‘very quickly’ after swapping football for drug trafficking where he earned 6 TIMES wages

    FORMER La Liga star Koke has admitted he could be killed at any time after being jailed for drug trafficking.The ex-Malaga, Marseille and Sporting Lisbon striker received a six-year prison term from a Spanish court in May.
    Former Marseille and Malaga striker Koke has said he could be killed ‘very quickly’ after he was jailed for drug traffickingCredit: AFP
    The former pro has been sentenced to prison until 2027Credit: AFP
    Koke was found guilty of heading a 30-strong gang that smuggled mainly cannabis, but also cocaine.
    The 40-year old, whose real name is Sergio Contreras, has already spent some time in prison.
    However he is currently being allowed to stay at his home in Marbella.
    The much-travelled striker also played for Greek side Aris and clubs in the US, Azerbaijan, Germany, Bolivia and India.
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    Koke turned to crime after retiring from football in 2016 following a second spell with Aris.
    He told Canal Plus: “As a footballer I had the chance to earn a lot of money.  I was on around £800,000 a year.
    “But in the ‘other’ business I would make in two months what I earned in a year playing football.
    “However, you put your life at risk.
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    “In France you can get killed very quickly in the world of trafficking drugs.
    “Here in Spain I could get killed as well, although I am not scared.
    Koke finished his career at Greek outfit ArisCredit: Rex
    “I have contacts everywhere, but don’t get me wrong – I am no Pablo Escobar!
    “This was not a way that I chose, but something that I found in my life.
    “When people hear me described as an ‘international trafficker’ they think: ‘F****** hell, what has he done?’
    “Life is complicated for me right now.  I am awaiting to go back into prison.
    “I have to pay for the stupid things I have done, and to be finished with all of this as soon as possible.
    “There is an open prison system in Spain for people who have been playing silly b*****s.
    “I will go back to jail.  I don’t know for how long, but I have a sentence until 2027.
    Read More on The Sun
    “There were lots of French people in the prison, including some from Marseilles.
    “I saw lots of Marseille football shirts in the jail!”
    Koke has seen Marseille shirts in prison – he played for the club between 2004 and 2006Credit: AFP More

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    Antony’s ex Gabriela Cavallin shares statement after Man Utd say he won’t return to training ‘until further notice’

    GABRIELA Cavallin has released a statement just hours after Manchester United announced that her ex Antony won’t return to training anytime soon. The £85million winger is currently being investigated by cops in both Manchester and Sao Paulo – and was axed from the Brazil national team for their World Cup qualifiers this month.
    Gabriela Cavallin posted a statement by her lawyers on InstagramCredit: The Sun
    Her statement came just hours after Antony announced he won’t be returning to training with Man UtdCredit: PA
    He strongly denies all allegations against him and vowed to clear his name in a new statement released by the club.
    The DJ and influencer, 22, shared a statement by her lawyers on her Instagram stories hours after Manchester United announced Antony’s indefinite leave of absence.
    It read: “Gabriela Cavallin’s defence, in view of the facts and evidence that became public knowledge on this date, regarding the repeated episodes of aggression suffered by her, informs that she trusts in the serious and competent investigation of the Civil Police of Sao Paulo, and equally of the Police of Manchester/UK, and hopes that, once completed, the aggressor will be prosecuted and punished for the crimes he committed.”
    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.
    read more about antony’s probe
    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.
    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.
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    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.
    “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.”
    Gabriela said she trusts the investigations on both sides of the AtlanticCredit: Instagram
    Antony strongly denies all allegations against him and vowed to clear his nameCredit: PA More