Manchester United have been accused of trying to cover up allegations that Brazil star Antony assaulted his ex-girlfriend.
The bombing allegation was made by Gabriela Cavallin and her lawyers with the Sao Paulo Civil Police, who are working with Greater Manchester Police to investigate the assault allegations.
United labeled any suggestion of a cover-up as “categorically false” on Wednesday night.
Cavallin claims the club sent senior player manager Daniele Bertoli to the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Manchester, where Antony allegedly assaulted his then-girlfriend on January 15.
She says the 23-year-old headbutted her and then caused one of her breast implants to come loose by forcibly throwing her onto the bed and falling on top of her. She says she needed reconstructive surgery and also suffered a laceration on her head.
Man United have been accused of covering up the alleged assaults of £85m star Antony
DJane and influencer Gabriela Cavallin has made several allegations against the Brazil star
Antony reportedly contacted members of the club and doctors after an alleged violent incident in January 2023. United have insisted Cavallin’s claims are “categorically false”.
Cavallin’s legal team allege that Bertoli tried to cover up the attack by calling a club doctor to examine her so she wouldn’t go to the hospital and arouse suspicion.
Brazil said on Wednesday they had asked Sao Paulo police to investigate Bertoli’s role in the incident and lawyers had also requested CCTV footage from the hotel.
United confirmed on Wednesday night that a staff member had arranged a private doctor for Cavallin’s visit at Antony’s request, but denied she was being treated by any medical staff at the club.
It goes without saying that United’s welfare team ensures that doctors visit players’ partners and family members.
The club stress that they were unaware of the assault allegations against Antony until they surfaced in the Brazilian media in June.
Your browser does not support iframes.
A statement said: “Any allegation that the club has covered up these allegations is categorically false.”
Antony has denied Cavallin’s claims that he assaulted her four times and volunteered for an interview in June. United have also said they will cooperate with any police investigation.
The club have resisted calls from anti-domestic violence campaigners to suspend the player, although manager Erik ten Hag has an opportunity to give Antony a rest and protect him from the limelight when his side return in nine days against Brighton action occurs.
United issued a brief statement on Wednesday, which said: “Manchester United acknowledge the allegations made against Antony and note that the police are investigating.” Pending further information, the club will not comment further.
“As an association, we take this matter seriously and consider the impact these allegations and subsequent reporting will have on survivors of the abuse.”
Antony was dropped from the Brazil squad for the final series of international qualifiers
Domestic violence charities have urged the club that “the world will watch their reaction to the allegations just days after former player Mason Greenwood’s move to Getafe”.
Antony’s girlfriend Rosilene Silva was seen leaving the couple’s mansion with a suitcase in tow
United have been advised to proceed cautiously as police investigations are ongoing in both the UK and Brazil.
The club have sought to learn from criticism over their handling of Mason Greenwood, who was suspended for 18 months and loaned to Getafe last week after being accused of attempted rape and assault. Greenwood denies the allegations and the Crown Prosecution Service dropped all charges in February.
United spoke to officials from the professional football association on Wednesday and have also sought advice from Women’s Aid in recent weeks.
Teresa Parker, media director at Women’s Aid, which developed the Football United Against Domestic Violence campaign, said: “We’ve been speaking to Manchester United over the last few weeks and met with them recently to talk about the work we are doing contribute to the organization.” charity and in our football campaign.
“Sharing insights and knowledge is important to create an understanding of domestic violence that can then inform future decisions.”
“At Women’s Aid, we welcome these conversations and value building relationships that we hope will have a positive impact going forward.”
It’s starting!
It’s All Kicking Off is an exciting new podcast from Mail Sport that promises a different take on Premier League football.
It is available on MailOnline, Mail+, youtube, apple music And Spotify.
Your browser does not support iframes.
