Manchester United’s Antony will no longer take part in team practices after his ex-girlfriend Gabriela Cavallin accused him of domestic abuse.
In addition to being left off the Brazilian national team for this month’s World Cup qualifiers, he is currently the focus of police inquiries in Manchester and Sao Paolo.
Antony will not return to training with the squad after being given a leave of absenceCredit: PA
Gabriela Cavallin told The Sun on Sunday: ‘Antony needs to be taken off the pitch.’Credit: Instagram
On Monday, United’s domestic players were supposed to go back to Carrington, but Antony has been granted an indefinite leave of absence.
Antony passionately refuted all accusations made against him in a new statement made public by the club and vowed to clear his name.
He has not been suspended, and he will continue to get his full wage while away from Old Trafford, according to club insiders.
They will continue to monitor the situation since they believe the club’s response shows how seriously they are taking the charges.
Cavallin was the main force behind requests for the £85 million player to be dismissed off the club, according to an exclusive interview with The Sun published on Sunday afternoon.
With the Mason Greenwood scenario in mind, there has been more pressure on the club to take action against Antony.
“I have agreed with Manchester United to take a period of absence while I address the allegations made against me,” Antony stated in a statement.
“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.”
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.
Gabriela talks exclusively to The Sun on SundayCredit: The Sun
On Brazilian TV last week, Antony seemed to be in tears.
After an incident in May of last year, when she was reportedly beaten by Antony and a lady in his Land Rover after they left a Sao Paulo nightclub, law student Rayssa de Freitas said she required medical care.
During a business trip to England in October, Ingrid Lana, a 33-year-old banker, claims that Antony was sexually aggressive against her.
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.
“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.”