Manchester United winger Antony was dropped from Brazil’s squad for upcoming World Cup qualifying games on Monday following allegations of assault made against him by an ex-girlfriend.
The 23-year-old had been named to the squad for CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying games against Bolivia and Peru but was released from international duty after the Brazil Football Confederation (CBF) cited allegations “which need to be investigated.
Greater Manchester Police issued a statement Monday that read: “Greater Manchester Police is aware of the allegations made and enquiries remain ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding this report.
Antony, on Monday denied physically assaulting ex-girlfriend Gabriela Cavallin in a statement on Instagram, stating he was the “victim of false accusations.”
“I can calmly affirm that the accusations are false, and that evidence already produced and that will be produced will show that I am innocent,” Antony said.
The denial came after Brazilian press reports published WhatsApp messages reputedly between Antony and Cavallin in which the player allegedly threatens his ex-partner.
In one of the conversations cited by local media, Cavallin says he must apologize for “kicks and assaults.”
Antony then appears to reply “sorry” in response.
Cavallin is also shown in one photo with an apparent head wound.
Antony said in his Instagram post that his relationship with Cavallin was “tumultuous, with verbal abuse on both sides.”
However he denied assaulting her. “I never practiced physical aggression,” he said.
“At each moment, she presents a different version of the accusations,” Antony added.
Daniel Bialski, the lawyer for Antony’s ex-girlfriend, said via Brazil outlet Globo Monday: “The only thing she wants is that, for everything she went through, he [Antony] be punished. I trust a lot in the investigation of the Civil Police and I wait for him to be prosecuted for the crimes he committed.”
Antony played for Brazil at the World Cup in Qatar and has scored two goals in 16 games for the national team. He played 84 minutes of Man United’s 3-1 loss to Arsenal on Sunday.
Arsenal forward Gabriel Jesus was called up to the national team for the two scheduled games as a replacement.
