English Football
Antony back to Man Utd training amid domestic violence accusations
Manchester United winger Antony has returned to training and will be ready for selection again, according to the club.
United put the Brazil star on paid vacation earlier this month so he could focus on clearing his name after refuting charges of assault by three women.
Antony voluntarily met with Greater Manchester Police on Thursday after returning to the UK on Tuesday night after confirming with police in Sao Paulo that he was allowed to depart Brazil.
He was not arrested or detained at the end of the interrogation, and he was permitted to go home without restriction.
United think Antony has offered enough proof to back up his vehement denials of the claims levelled against him, and the 23-year-old has been cleared to return to first-team action.
He will not, however, train at Carrington on Friday or play against Crystal Palace at Old Trafford on Saturday.
United said in a statement that Antony’s situation “will be kept under review pending further developments in the case.”
It read, “Since allegations were first made in June, Antony has cooperated with police inquiries in both Brazil and the UK, and he continues to do so.
“As Antony’s employer, Manchester United has decided that he will resume training at Carrington, and be available for selection, while police inquiries proceed. This will be kept under review pending further developments in the case.
“As a club we condemn acts of violence and abuse. We recognise the importance of safeguarding all those involved in this situation, and acknowledge the impact these allegations have on survivors of abuse.”
Antony has missed the last four games since the international break after being sacked by Brazil and sent on leave by United to fight the claims in South America.
His ex-girlfriend Gabriela Cavallin claims he attacked her four times in total, twice in the United Kingdom.
She claims that the former Ajax winger, who joined United for £82 million last year, assaulted her on January 15 at the Hyatt Regency hotel in Manchester, breaking one of her breast implants.
She also alleged that the Brazilian cut her finger to the bone in June when he threw a glass at her.
The accusations necessitated Manchester United to announced that Antony will be away from the club until further notice as the Brazilian star continues to face domestic abuse allegations.
