By: Natasha Archary
Manchester United have issued a statement after mounting pressure on the club to drop forward, Antony Santos over abuse allegations.
This comes after the footballer was dropped from his national side Brazil for their 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Bolivia and Peru.
While the 23-year old has vehemently denied the allegations levelled against him by his ex-girlfriend, Gabriela Cavallin, his English football club have acknowledged the allegations and noted the investigation into the matter by police.
The club said in a statement on Wednesday, 06 September, “Manchester United acknowledges the allegations made against Antony and notes that the police are conducting enquiries.
Pending further information, the club will be making no further comments.
As a club, we are taking this matter seriously, with consideration of the impact of these allegations and subsequent reporting will have on survivors of abuse.”
Manchester United issued a statement on the abuse allegations levelled against Antony
Gabriela shared pictures of her bloodstained clothes, and screenshots of “aggressive” texts, accusing Antony of first assaulting her when she was 17-weeks pregnant with his baby in July 2022.
The influencer and DJ says she dated Antony for 2-years, and lived with him in Amsterdam when he played for Ajax.
Meanwhile, Antony has denied the allegations since they were first brought to light in June, admitting that he had a tumultuous relationship with Gabriela, but stating he is not guilty of any wrongdoing.
“Out of respect for my fans, friends and family, I feel obliged to speak out publicly about the false accusations that I have been a victim of.
From the beginning, I have treated this matter with seriousness and respect, providing the necessary clarifications to the police.
The investigation is under judicial secrecy, and therefore I cannot make its contents public.
However, I can calmly say that the accusations are false, and that the current evidence and the ones yet to be produced demonstrate my innocence.
My relationship with Gabriela was tumultuous, with verbal insults from both sides, but I never committed any physical aggression.
Each time, whether in testimony or in an interview, she presents a different version of the accusations.
Therefore, I come to vehemently deny the accusations made and inform you that I remain at the entire disposal of the Brazilian authorities to clarify anything.
I trust that ongoing police investigations will demonstrate the truth about my innocence.”
Antony Santos denies the abuse allegations against him
This isn’t the first time a United player was implicated in domestic abuse, as Mason Greenwood was under investigation last year.
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