Man United Permit Antony To Return To Training Amid Assault Scandal

Manchester United have confirmed their embattled Brazilian winger, Antony, will return to training with the club amidst his domestic violence scandal.

Recall that Antony’s ex-girlfriend, Gabriela Cavallin, reported the Brazilian to the police in England and Brazil that he allegedly beat her on January 15 in a hotel room in Manchester, resulting in a cut head that required medical attention. These charges were made public by the Brazilian news outlet UOL.

Additionally, Cavallin claims that when she was punched in the chest, a silicone breast implant was damaged, necessitating surgery for repair.

After these first two accusations, Rayssa de Freitas and Ingrid Lana added other allegations, which Antony had refuted.

Due to these allegations, he was kicked out of the Brazil national team for the September international break. Since the first week of September, he has been in Brazil as United gave him paid leave of absence to sort out the allegations.

The 23-year-old Brazilian winger returned to England this week and reportedly spoke with Greater Manchester Police on Thursday, September 28, but was not subjected to any restrictions afterward.

The BBC reported that United sources asserted that he has provided evidence to support his strenuous denials of the alleged domestic violence.

He has not been arrested or charged in either Brazil or the UK which makes him eligible to return to work while investigations continue.

In a statement, United said: “As Antony’s employer, Manchester United has decided that he will resume training at Carrington and be available for selection, while police inquiries proceed.

“This will be kept under review pending further developments in the case.”

The club’s statement added, “Since allegations were first made in June, Antony has co-operated with police inquiries in both Brazil and the UK and he continues to do so.

“As a club, we condemn acts of violence and abuse.

“We recognize the importance of safeguarding all those involved in this situation and acknowledge the impact these allegations have on survivors of abuse.”

Antony won’t be considered for United’s Premier League match against Crystal Palace at Old Trafford on Saturday, September 30, because he isn’t expected to show up for practice on Friday.

At a news conference on Friday, Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag said in response to a question about the player that he had spoken to Antony, “but that doesn’t give the impression how he is, how his mental status is.”

He also clarified that Antony’s return wouldn’t be “a distraction” to his side who are still trying to maintain consistency this season.

Antony has missed four games since receiving leave with pay from United to address allegations made by three different women, including his former girlfriend Cavallin.