The Manchester United winger Antony has refuted claims that he physically assaulted his ex-girlfriend, leading to his exclusion from the Brazil team.

When approached by the PA news agency on Monday night, Manchester United did not respond to a request for comment. It is still unknown if head coach Erik ten Hag will stick with Antony, who joined the team in September 2022 for an £85.5 million transfer from Ajax. Currently on a vacation for international duty, the Premier League will resume on September 16 at Old Trafford when United takes on Brighton.

After the claims surfaced, Brazil declared that Antony had been dropped from the team for their next World Cup qualifying matches against Peru and Bolivia. Gabriel Jesus, an Arsenal striker, was called up to play in Antony’s stead.

Due to claims, Manchester United’s Antony is doubtful to play against Brighton on September 16. The Brazil squad dropped him.
Due to claims, Manchester United’s Antony is doubtful to play against Brighton on September 16. The Brazil squad dropped him.
The Brazilian Football Confederation released a statement that said, “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preserve the alleged victim, the player, the Brazilian team, and the CBF, the entity informs that the athlete has been withdrawn from the Brazilian team.”

In an interview with the Brazilian website UOL, which also released images and screenshots of the exchanged messages, Gabriela Cavallin says that on January 15, she was attacked by Antony “with a headbutt” in a Manchester hotel room. This left her with a cut head that required medical attention.

The social media star Cavallin also claims that Antony hit her in the chest, harming a silicone breast implant that needed to be repaired back in Brazil.

In an Instagram post, Antony defended his innocence against what he described as “false accusations.”

“I feel compelled to speak out publicly about the false accusations I have been the victim of out of respect for my fans, friends, and family,” Antony stated.

“I can calmly state that the charges are unfounded and that my innocence is demonstrated by the evidence that has been and will continue to be produced.”

“Greater Manchester Police is aware of the allegations made and enquiries remain ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding this report,” the police department said in a statement to Telegraph Sport. We won’t be making any more comments at this time.