Antony: Brazil drop Manchester United winger after abuse allegations
Manchester United player Antony has been dropped from the Brazil national squad following allegations of abuse by his former girlfriend.
The Brazilian football federation said Antony, 23, has been withdrawn after “facts became public” that “need to be investigated.”
The allegations were published in the Brazilian news outlet OUL on Monday.
Antony has denied the allegations made by his ex-partner.
Police in both Sao Paulo and Greater Manchester are investigating the claims.
“I can calmly state that the accusations are false and that the evidence already produced and the other evidence that will be produced demonstrate that I am innocent of the accusations made,” Antony said on social media.
“I trust that the ongoing police investigations will demonstrate the truth about my innocence.”
He is accused of attacking his former partner Gabriela Cavallin “with a headbutt” in a Manchester hotel room on 15 January, leaving her with a cut head that needed treatment from a doctor.
She has also alleged that she was punched in the chest, causing damage to a silicone breast implant which required corrective surgery.
Antony added in his statement on Monday that his relationship with his former partner was “tumultuous”, but insisted he “never committed any physical aggression”.