Amidst an investigation over accusations of domestically abusing his ex-girlfriend, Brazil have dropped Manchester United star, Antony, from its squad.
Gabriela Cavallin gave an interview to UOL in Brazil, claiming that the footballer headbutted her and threw a glass at her. In addition, he supposedly threatened to push her out of a moving car when she was pregnant.
As per The Daily Mail, she said: “Antony locked the door of the house and wouldn’t let me go out. I had my finger open, all hurt.
“He broke my things, took my passport. His mother and stepfather even trapped him inside the football court. He had a football court inside his living room, surrounded by a fence.
“He was upset, trying to get out of the court in any way. Antony threw a football at me. He also threw a cell phone at me. He said he was going to kill me, that he was going to kill himself.”
UOL published images of Cavallin bleeding, and text messages allegedly from the player.
Antony denies the allegations
The forward has claimed that the accusations aimed towards him are false.
He asserted: “From the beginning, I have handled this 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.”
He continued: “My relationship with Ms Gabriela was tumultuous, with verbal offences from both sides. But I never practised any physical aggression. Every time, whether in testimony or in interviews, she presents a different version of 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 investigation will reveal the truth about my innocence.”
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Regardless, Brazil felt they had no choice but to remove him from the squad.
A statement from the Brazilian Football Confederation read: “Due to the facts that became public this Monday, involving striker Antony, from Manchester United, and which need to be investigated, and in order to preserve the alleged victim, the player, the Brazilian team and the CBF, the entity informs that the athlete has been withdrawn from the Brazilian team.”
“To replace him, coach Fernando Diniz called Gabriel Jesus, who was pre-selected on a list of 36 players, sent to FIFA.”
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