Manchester United winger Antony Matheus dos Santos has refuted the allegations of domestic violence levelled against him by his ex-girlfriend, Gabrielle Cavallin.
Cavallin accused the 23-year-old Manchester United winger of attacking her while she was pregnant, damaging her breast implant, cutting her finger with a glass, and threatening to throw her out of a speeding car.
However, Antony, 23, who played in United’s 3-1 defeat at Arsenal on Sunday, issued a statement on Monday night denying the allegations.
“I can say with confidence that the accusations are false,’ he wrote on social media.
“My relationship with Ms. Gabriela was tumultuous, with verbal offences from both sides, but I never practiced any physical aggression. I trust the ongoing police investigations will reveal the truth about my innocence.”
A DJ and influencer, Cavallin had filed a complaint against Antony with the Greater Manchester Police, alleging four incidents of domestic violence, bodily injury, and a threat to the authorities in Sao Paulo in June.
She further went into details with Brazilian website UOL on Monday, revealing WhatsApp screenshots and pictures of her injuries.
She said, “I don’t remember exactly who the fight was about, but it was someone I had been with years ago. ‘ He punched me in the chest, and my silicone implant turned over.
“Then I came to Brazil for surgery to change the prosthesis. He said, ‘I didn’t mean to hurt you; it was accidental; it wasn’t a punch; I just pushed you; I just held you against the wall.”
Reacting to the allegations, Antony wrote, “For you, after submitting my statement at the police station where the investigation involving my name is being conducted, I wanted to speak publicly for the first time since I was falsely accused of assault.
“I stayed silent until this moment so that nothing could interfere with the investigation process, but during all these days, my family and I suffered in silence.”
Recounting a previous domestic abuse allegation against him, the Brazilian said, “Despite being born and raised in a very needy community, I have been through a situation similar to this, in which a false assault charge resulted in a preliminary and unfair public judgement on the part of some.”
He also assured that, with the conclusion of investigations, his innocence would be established.
“After the closure of the investigation, my innocence will certainly be proven, and justice will prevail.
“The damage initially caused to my image will be in the past,” he wrote.
“Thank you for the countless messages of support received at this very difficult time,” he added.
The case is being investigated by the Greater Manchester Police.
