Suspected of Domestic Violence, Antony Defends himself but is excluded from Seleção
Following the opening of an investigation into allegations of domestic violence, Antony, the Manchester United forward, has been excluded from the Brazilian national team on Monday. He has been replaced by Gabriel Jesus.
The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) has decided to exclude Antony from the list of players selected by Fernando Diniz for the Seleção’s next two matches. “Due to the facts made public this Monday, which require an investigation,” the Brazilian organization preferred to remove him from the squad to “preserve” all parties involved.
The 23-year-old Manchester United forward, with 16 caps, is currently under suspicion of domestic violence against his former partner, Gabriela Cavallin. According to the Brazilian media outlet UOL, the player has been involved in several violent incidents this year, even causing surgical intervention for the victim. According to The Telegraph, the Manchester police have already opened an investigation into the matter.
However, Antony denies the accusations. “Out of respect for my fans, friends, and family, I feel obligated to publicly address the false accusations against me. From the beginning, I have dealt with this matter seriously and respectfully, providing the necessary clarifications to the police authorities. The police investigation is subject to judicial secrecy, so I cannot make its content public.”
He then added, “However, I can confidently assert that the accusations are false, and the evidence already produced and the other evidence that will be presented demonstrate that I am innocent of the charges. My relationship with Gabriela has been tumultuous, with verbal insults from both sides, but I have never committed physical aggression. At every moment, whether in testimony or interviews, she presents a different version of the accusations. That is why I vehemently deny the charges and inform you that I remain at the complete disposal of the Brazilian authorities to clarify anything that may be necessary. I hope that the ongoing police investigations will demonstrate the truth of my innocence.”