Brazil has decided to remove Antony from their national team following allegations of domestic abuse made by his ex-girlfriend, which are currently being investigated by Brazilian and Greater Manchester Police.
Gabriela Cavallin, Antony’s former partner, made the accusations which prompted the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) to release an official statement on Monday.
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The CBF’s statement reads, “Due to the facts that became public this Monday involving Manchester United striker Antony, and which need to be investigated, and in order to safeguard the alleged victim, the player, the Brazilian National Team and the CBF, the organization informs that the athlete is withdrawn from the Brazilian National Team.”
Antony has taken to social media to deny the allegations made against him, though he acknowledged that his relationship with Cavallin was “tumultuous.”
“Out of respect for my fans, friends, and family I feel obligated to speak publicly about the false accusations I have been a victim of,” wrote Antony on Twitter. “From the beginning I have handled this issue seriously and with respect, providing the due clarifications to the police authority.
“The police inquest is under cover of justice, and therefore I cannot make its content public. However, I can say with confidence that the accusations are false and that the evidence already produced, and more to be produced, show that I am innocent of the accusations made.
“My relationship with Ms. Gabriela was tumultuous, with verbal offenses from both sides, but I never practiced any physical aggression. Every time, whether in testimony or in an interview, she presents a different version of the accusations.
“Thus, I come to deny the accusations made and inform that I remain at the full disposal of the Brazilian authorities to clarify what is needed. I trust the ongoing police investigations will reveal the truth about my innocence.”
Manchester United, Antony’s current club, has not yet made a public statement on the matter. Meanwhile, Antony will not be able to participate in Brazil’s upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Bolivia and Peru.
