Manchester United has broken its silence regarding the allegations of domestic abuse leveled against its Brazilian forward, Antony. The club emphasized that they are treating the matter with gravity and are considering the potential impact on abuse survivors.
Brazilian media revealed details of the alleged abuse by Antony towards his ex-girlfriend on Monday, leading to Antony’s exclusion from the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Bolivia and Peru, as confirmed by the Brazilian soccer confederation. The federation stated the need for a thorough investigation to safeguard all parties involved.
Antony, who had previously denied the charges in June, reiterated his denial on Monday amidst the media revelations, stating that he “vehemently denies the accusations.” Meanwhile, advocacy group End Violence Against Women Coalition has urged both the Premier League and the FA to adopt a stern stance against recurring instances of violence against women involving footballers.
São Paulo police affirmed the ongoing investigation, without divulging further details. The episode follows the club’s recent suspension and subsequent loan of another player, Mason Greenwood, amidst different allegations, underscoring a growing concern regarding footballers’ conduct off the field.
