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Manchester United's Antony returns to England to face police questioning over alleged attacks

Antony - Manchester United's Antony returns to England to face police questioning over alleged attacks
Man Utd forward Antony went back to Brazil following the allegations - PA/John Walton

Antony has flown back to England and will meet Greater Manchester Police over the allegations of abuse that have been made against him.

The Manchester United forward had returned to Brazil after being placed on a period of absence by his club having been accused of subjecting Gabriela Cavallin, a former girlfriend, to a series of attacks.

Antony boarded a flight from Sao Paulo on Tuesday and has arrived back in Manchester but he will still not be considered for selection until further notice. United’s next match is at home to Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Saturday.

GMP has received a 42-page legal document that includes two episodes of alleged assault by Antony on Cavallin, who was in a relationship with the Brazil international for two years. She has submitted complaints to police in the UK and also accusing him of committing “physical and psychological violence” against her.

The incidents are said to have taken place in a Manchester hotel last January, with Cavallin accusing Antony – who strenuously denies the allegations – of headbutting and punching her while she was pregnant.

Cavallin also alleges that four months later, Antony threw a glass at her, which allegedly cut her finger so badly that the bone became visible.

Antony returned to Brazil at the start of September after being selected for the national team but was dropped when the allegations were broadcast. He has stayed in Brazil ever since – on full pay – as he tries to clear his name.

The 23-year-old has already given an interview to the Brazilian television show Fofocalizando claiming he has evidence to prove his innocence. He has now agreed to meet with police in Manchester for questioning.

Antony was voluntarily interviewed by Brazilian police in June and has not been arrested or charged. The forward, who joined United from Ajax for £86 million a year ago and is manager Erik ten Hag’s most expensive signing, confirmed with Sao Paulo police that he was allowed to leave Brazil before returning to England.

Since Cavallin made her claims two more women have come forward to allege that Antony was violent towards them. He has denied these accusations.

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