Brazil has excluded Manchester United winger Antony from their squad amid allegations of abuse made by his former girlfriend according to BBC reports . The Brazilian football federation cited the emergence of publicized ‘facts’ that require investigation as the reason for his removal. These allegations surfaced in a report by Brazilian news outlet UOL, which prompted investigations by authorities in Sao Paulo and Greater Manchester. Antony, denying the accusations, posted on social media, asserting his innocence and expressing confidence in the ongoing police investigations.
The alleged incident involves accusations that Antony headbutted his former girlfriend Gabriela Cavallin in a Manchester hotel room on January 15, resulting in a head injury requiring medical attention. She also claims to have been punched in the chest, damaging a silicone breast implant, necessitating corrective surgery. Antony, while acknowledging a tumultuous relationship, maintains he never engaged in physical aggression. This isn’t the first time such allegations have surfaced, as he had previously been falsely accused of domestic violence by his ex-partner in June.
Greater Manchester Police is investigating the matter, but no further comments have been provided at this time. Manchester United declined to comment when approached by BBC Sport. This incident follows the club’s recent announcement that Mason Greenwood would leave by mutual agreement after a six-month internal investigation, although charges against Greenwood, including rape and assault, were dropped in February. He subsequently joined Spanish side Getafe on loan. In the Brazil squad, Antony has been replaced by Arsenal striker Gabriel Jesus for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Bolivia and Peru.