Antony has issued a fresh denial as the accusations facing the Manchester United forward continue.
The Brazilian, Antony, is under investigation by both Greater Manchester Police and Sao Paulo police following allegations from his ex-girlfriend Gabriela Cavallin. She has claimed that Antony assaulted her on two separate occasions.
Cavallin claims the 23-year-old, headbutted and punched her in a hotel room on January 14, the day after a Premier League game against Manchester City. She claims to have suffered a cut to her head and a damaged breast implant. Cavallin also claims Antony threw a glass cup at her after an away game against West Ham in London, cutting her fingers.
Antony took to social media to protest his innocence, claiming he has been “falsely accused of assault” and insisting his family have “suffered in silence”.
However, the United winger was subsequently dropped by the Brazilian national team, with two further women making allegations in the time since.
Ingrid Lana accused Antony of attempting to pressure her into having sexual intercourse. And then a third woman, law student Rayssa de Freitas brought allegations of assault against the player.
And in an interview with Brazilian TV, Antony has addressed the allegations placed against him. Asked specifically about the accusations from Cavallin, he said: “This was what happened: I left training in the morning, got my car and went to the hotel where she was staying”.
“We had lunch together, like normal. We chatted, like normal. All calm. Something that annoyed and irritated her was when I would say, ‘I need to go, because I have things to do as well.’ I told her I needed to go and at that point there was an argument”.
“I was sat on the bed. She grabbed my face. She flipped. She smashed a cup, smashed a plate … she came at me. At that moment, I held her. I didn’t squeeze her, didn’t do anything. I told her, ‘Calm down, calm down, calm down.’” Asked about the alleged headbutt, he said: “No, I didn’t headbutt her. At no point did I headbutt her.”
Asked about Lana’s allegations, he added: “Negative. Negative. I’m 100 per cent certain that I never touched any woman. 100 per cent. I am certain. I will produce the proof and people will understand. They will see the truth.”
“Never,” he added when asked if he had assaulted any woman. “I never have and I never will.” United have thus far released one statement on the ongoing situation, insisting they are taking all allegations seriously. “
Manchester United acknowledges the allegations made against Antony and notes that the police are conducting enquiries,” it read. “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.”