Manchester United’s Brazilian winger, Antony, is poised to make a comeback to training amidst a storm of domestic abuse allegations. The 23-year-old reportedly engaged in discussions with Greater Manchester Police, which surprisingly resulted in no immediate restrictions placed on him post-interview. Inside sources at Manchester United reveal that Antony has presented compelling evidence vehemently refuting the allegations against him.
Crucially, Antony has neither been arrested nor charged in either Brazil or the UK in connection with these allegations. In response, Manchester United, as Antony’s employer, has taken the decision to allow him back into the fold for training at Carrington and eligibility for selection, while maintaining a watchful eye on the ongoing police inquiries and potential developments in the case.
It’s worth noting that Antony is expected to steer clear of training on Friday, and he won’t be considered for the upcoming Premier League clash against Crystal Palace at Old Trafford on Saturday. His absence from the team for the past four games was due to Manchester United’s decision to grant him leave with full pay to address these allegations, which have been raised by three different women, including his former partner, Gabriela Cavallin.
Serious Allegations and Ongoing Investigations
The gravity of the allegations against Antony first surfaced when Brazilian news outlet UOL published Gabriela Cavallin’s claims on September 4th. In her disturbing account, she accuses Antony of assaulting her in a Manchester hotel room on January 15th, including a headbutt that left her with a head injury requiring medical treatment. Additionally, she alleges that she was punched in the chest, leading to damage to a silicone breast implant, necessitating corrective surgery.
Adding to the complexity of the situation, two more allegations emerged, this time from Rayssa de Freitas and Ingrid Lana, both of whom claim Antony assaulted them in 2022—an assertion that Antony vehemently denies. In Lana’s case, she describes an incident where she claims to have struck her head after being pushed against a wall by Antony at his Manchester residence in October of the previous year.
Manchester United has been keen to highlight Antony’s full cooperation with police investigations in both Brazil and the UK since the allegations were first made in June. The club’s official stance condemns acts of violence and abuse and underscores the importance of safeguarding all parties involved while acknowledging the profound impact these allegations can have on survivors of abuse.
