Manchester United winger Antony is facing a crucial turning point in his career as he prepares to meet with Greater Manchester Police for questioning regarding allegations of domestic abuse. The 23-year-old footballer returned to the United Kingdom from Brazil, where he had been on international duty, to address these serious accusations.
The allegations stem from Antony’s former girlfriend, Gabriela Cavallin, who has claimed that he subjected her to multiple incidents of physical aggression, including a reported head-butting incident that occurred in a Manchester hotel. These allegations were initially reported by the Brazilian news outlet UOL and have since garnered significant attention.
Manchester United, a club with a storied history and a global fan base, granted Antony a leave of absence earlier this month in order for him to confront these allegations head-on. The footballer has not taken these accusations lightly and has unequivocally denied any wrongdoing, expressing his full commitment to cooperating with the police to establish the truth.
Antony had been in Brazil representing his country when these allegations emerged. However, he was subsequently withdrawn from the international squad following the gravity of the situation. Upon his return to the UK, Antony has already assisted Brazilian police with their inquiries, and now he is set to meet with Greater Manchester Police, where he is expected to hand over his phone for inspection as part of the ongoing investigation.
Manchester United, a club known for its commitment to social responsibility and inclusivity, issued a statement earlier this month acknowledging the seriousness of the allegations. The club expressed understanding for the potential impact such allegations may have on survivors of abuse.
This situation bears resemblance to Manchester United’s recent dealings with another young talent, Mason Greenwood. The 21-year-old striker faced charges including attempted rape and assault earlier this year. However, in February, prosecutors dropped the case due to key witnesses withdrawing and new evidence emerging. After initial reports suggested United would retain Greenwood following a six-month internal investigation, the club announced in August that he would rebuild his career elsewhere, ultimately joining Spanish side Getafe on loan.
