Manchester United has been accused of attempting to conceal charges that Brazilian footballer Antony assaulted his ex-girlfriend.
Gabriela Cavalli and her lawyers made the shocking statement to Sao Paulo Civil Police, who are investigating the assault charges alongside Greater Manchester Police.
United has called the allegations ‘categorically false.’
Cavallin says that the club dispatched a player support officer to the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Manchester on January 15, where Antony allegedly beat his then-girlfriend.
She claims the 23-year-old headbutted her and then threw her roughly onto the bed and jumped on top of her, dislodging one of her breast implants. She alleges she needed reconstructive surgery and also suffered a head cut.
Read Also: Manchester United Speaks Following Antony’s Abuse Allegations
Cavallin’s legal team claims that the support officer sought to cover up the attack by having a club doctor examine her so she wouldn’t have to go to the hospital and raise suspicions.
According to reports in Brazil on Wednesday, they have asked Sao Paulo Police to investigate the role of the support officer in the incident, and they have also requested CCTV footage from the hotel.
On Wednesday night, United revealed that a member of staff arranged for a private doctor to visit Cavallin at Antony’s request, but she was not treated by any of the club’s medical personnel.
It’s usual for United’s welfare team to arrange for doctors to see players’ spouses and family members.
United insists that none of the assault charges against Antony were known to the club or the support officer until they were published in the Brazilian media in June.
A statement read: “Any suggestion that the club covered up these allegations is categorically false.”
Antony has disputed Cavallin’s claims that he assaulted her four times and agreed to an interview in June. United has also stated that it will cooperate with any police investigations.
Domestic abuse advocates have urged the club to punish the player, but manager Erik ten Hag has the option of resting Antony and keeping him out of the spotlight when his team returns to action against Brighton in nine days.
United issued a short statement on Wednesday saying: “Manchester United acknowledges the allegations made against Antony and notes that the police are conducting enquiries. Pending further information, the club will be making no further comments.
“As a club, we are taking this matter seriously, with consideration of the impact of these allegations and subsequent reporting will have on survivors of abuse.”
