The Manchester United winger Antony will not play for Brazil in the World Cup qualifying matches due to allegations of assault made by his ex-girlfriend.
The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) said in a statement that Antony was put on leave in order to “preserve the alleged victim, the player, the Brazil team, and the CBF.”
Attacker Gabriel Jesus of Arsenal will start in Antony’s place in the starting lineup for the games against Bolivia and Peru on September 8 and September 12.
Antony, 23, denied allegations that he had physically mistreated his ex-girlfriend Gabriela Cavallin in an Instagram post on Monday. He claimed to be the “victim of false accusations.”
Antony said, “I can declare with confidence that the charges are baseless, and the evidence that has been and will be presented will demonstrate my innocence.”
The sportsman allegedly threatens his former lover in what are said to be WhatsApp conversations with Cavallin, as reported by the Brazilian media. The denial was sparked by this.
According to what the local media is reporting, Cavallin’s apology is required for “kicks and assaults.”
And it seems that Antony says “Sorry” in response.
Cavallin seems to have a head wound in another image.
Antony said on Instagram that his relationship with Cavallin was “tumultuous, with verbal abuse on both sides.”
But he did say he didn’t beat her. “I never engaged in physical aggression,” he said.
“At every turn, she presents a different version of the charges,” Antony said.
In concluding, he said, “I have no doubt that the current police inquiries will reveal the truth.”