OFFICIAL: Antony won’t return ‘until further notice’ amidst assault allegations

Carlo Garganese

Updated: 10 Sept 2023 13:49 BST
4 min read

Antony, Erik ten Hag, Man Utd, 2022/23 — © ProShots

Manchester United have released a statement that Antony will not return to the club “until further notice” amidst allegations of domestic abuse and assault.

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Antony is facing allegations from three women.

The initial allegations center around claims of abuse made by his former girlfriend, Gabriela Cavallin.

On Thursday, two more women made allegations against the Man Utd winger.

Manchester United issued a statement on Sunday that Antony will not return to the club until further notice while he addresses the allegations.

What did Man Utd statement say?

“Manchester United acknowledges the allegations made against Antony,” the statement read.

“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.”

Antony also released a statement of his own on Sunday: “I have agreed with Manchester United to take a period of absence while I address the allegations made against me,” he said.

“I want to reiterate my innocence of the things I have been accused of, and I will fully cooperate with the police”.

Earlier this week, Antony was removed from the Brazil national team squad amidst the allegations.

The Brazil FA released a statement on Monday announcing that they were removing the Man Utd wideman from their squad ahead of the international break.

“In order to safeguard the alleged victim, the player, the Brazilian national team and the CBF, the organization informs that Antony has been removed from the Brazilian national team,” the statement read.

Antony is under investigation from Greater Manchester Police amidst domestic abuse allegations from his ex-girlfriend Gabriela Cavallin.

Having previously issued a statement in June branding the allegations as false, Antony took to social media on Monday to once again deny having committed domestic violence.

© ProShots - Antony has had a difficult time at Man Utd so far

Antony’s statement on Monday read: "I can say with confidence that accusations are false and that the evidence already produced show that I am innocent of the accusations made.

"My relationship with Ms Gabriela was tumultuous, with verbal offences from both sides, but I never practiced any physical aggression.

"I trust that the ongoing police investigations will demonstrate the truth about my innocence."

Antony again denied the accusations on Friday on Brazilian TV station SBT TV.

"It's something that has never crossed my mind," he said when asked about the possibility of Man Utd releasing him.

"I know the truth and it will come out. I know many are massacring me, but the truth always comes out. Manchester United is on top of the whole inquiry. They are following and continue to follow.

"I know the truth, so I'm certain that [my career ending] will not happen. I'm certain of this. I know the truth and I know that this will not happen."

Man Utd initially declined to comment on the allegations but have now issued a public statement.

Antony joined Man Utd for €100 million from Ajax in the summer of 2022 and has largely struggled to pay back that price tag so far.

He has been heavily criticised by fans for his performances, and he once again disappointed last week during the 3-1 defeat to Arsenal at the Emirates.

Man Utd have had a difficult start to the season on and off the pitch, winning two and losing two of their opening four games of the Premier League season.