Manchester United issue Antony statement amid abuse claims

The 23-year-old has been dropped from the Brazil squad for their September internationals amid the allegations made by his former girlfriend, Gabriela Cavallin.

Man United have now commented on the situation, with the Red Devils insisting that they are «taking this matter seriously», as the police conduct their investigations.

«Manchester United acknowledges the allegations made against Antony and notes that the Police are conducting enquiries,» read the statement from the 20-time English champions on Wednesday.

«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.»

On social media, Antony has said: «I can calmly state that the accusations are false and that the evidence already produced and the other evidence that will be produced demonstrate that I am innocent of the accusations made.

»I trust that the ongoing police investigations will demonstrate the truth about my innocence."

Police in both Sao Paulo and Greater Manchester are currently investigating the claims, with one of the alleged attacks occurring in a Manchester hotel room earlier this year.

Cavallin told UOL: «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