Although he has consistently vehemently denied the allegations, Antony was granted a leave of absence on September 10. He returned to England earlier this week and participated in a voluntary interview with Greater Manchester Police on Thursday. Antony has since returned to Manchester United training and is available for selection as he continues to assist with ongoing police investigations into domestic abuse allegations.
The Brazilian international was granted a leave of absence on September 10; nevertheless, he returned to England earlier this week and, after consistently denying the allegations, went to a voluntary interview with Greater Manchester Police on Thursday.
Antony is reportedly out of Saturday’s league game against Crystal Palace because Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag said he will resume training this weekend.
Ten Hag stated during a news conference on Friday that “he will be back in training” on Saturday. I need to assess his fitness levels, but I anticipate they will be adequate.
When asked if he worried Antony’s presence would interfere with his team’s performance, Ten Hag responded, “I don’t think it will be a distraction.”
In a statement released by Manchester United on Friday, the club said: “Antony has cooperated with police investigations in both Brazil and the UK, and he continues to do so.
While police investigations are ongoing, Manchester United, Antony’s employer, has determined that he will resume training at Carrington and be eligible for selection. In the event that the matter goes further, we’ll continue to monitor it.
“As a club, we strongly reject acts of abuse and violence. We appreciate the significance of protecting everyone involved in this scenario and the effect that these claims have on abuse survivors.
When Gabriela Cavallin talked to the Brazilian newspaper UOL in September, Antony was accused of physically abusing her multiple times.
These accusations, as well as additional assault claims made by Rayssa de Freitas and Ingrid Lana, have all been refuted by the winger.
He has not been detained or charged by the GMP or Brazil, and he was free to leave the voluntary interview after presenting evidence to back up his vehement denials.
While police investigations are ongoing, United will continue to keep an eye on the situation.
Women’s Aid responded to Manchester United’s announcement of Antony’s return by using the social media channel X, formerly known as Twitter.
“We know the news that Man Utd player Antony is returning to training and selection while police inquiries continue will have an impact on survivors,” the organization wrote in a blog post.
“We kindly request that the national football associations collaborate with us to offer all clubs the much-needed direction on domestic abuse cases.
A knowledgeable and consistent approach is essential, and we will discuss this in a letter to the national organizations.
