United released a statement insisting they were taking the matter seriously, but stopped short of suspending the £82million signing. Antony, 23, was dropped from Brazil’s latest squad because of the serious allegations against him, but United have so far refused to do the same.
Domestic abuse charities have called on United to follow Brazil’s lead and make Antony unavailable for selection while he is under investigation.
Representatives of the Professional Footballers’ Association are understood to have visited United officials to discuss the allegations Antony faces.
Greater Manchester Police are investigating claims by Gabriela Cavallin, Antony’s ex-partner, that she was physically assaulted by him between January and May this year. Antony released a statement on Instagram on Monday in which he said his relationship with Cavallin had been “tumultuous” but vehemently denied “any physical aggression” and said he trusted “the ongoing police investigations will reveal the truth about my innocence”.
Brazil reacted to the allegations by dropping Antony for their World Cup qualifiers against Bolivia on Saturday and Peru on Wednesday. Although United broke their silence with a statement, the club refused to say whether Antony would be suspended, given the serious nature of the allegations.
When Mason Greenwood was arrested on suspicion of attempted rape, controlling and coercive behaviour and assault occasioning actual bodily harm in January 2022, United suspended the forward with immediate effect. Greenwood later had all charges against him dropped, but an internal investigation carried out by United concluded the 21-year-old could no longer play for them and he has since gone on loan to Spanish club Getafe for the rest of the season.
Responding to the allegations made against Antony, United released a statement which read: “Manchester United acknowledges the allegations made against Antony and notes that the Police are conducting enquiries.
“Pending further information, the club will be making no further comments. As a club, we are taking this matter seriously, with consideration of the impact these allegations and subsequent reporting will have on survivors of abuse.”
Women’s Aid claimed clubs who allow players to continue playing after allegations of domestic abuse are made against them risk sending out a message that such claims are not being taken seriously. In a statement, Women’s Aid said: “Domestic abuse is prevalent in our society and all employers, including football clubs, need clear policies and procedures about what to do when allegations are made against an employee.
“When the alleged perpetrator is a high-profile footballer, we know from survivors of domestic abuse that has an impact on both football fans and wider society, who see them playing and celebrated on the pitch as a sign that the allegations are not being taken seriously by the club.”
