Brazil drop Antony after domestic abuse allegations as Man Utd star brands accusations as 'false'

Brazil have dropped Manchester United winger Antony from their upcoming international squad after police opened an investigation into allegations of domestic violence made against him by his ex-girlfriend.

Gabriela Cavallin, a DJ and influencer, has alleged that she was subject to a series of attacks by Antony between June last year and May this year, in an interview with Brazilian outlet UOL.

Cavallin filed a report with the Sao Paulo Civil Police in June, accusing Antony of 'domestic violence, threat and bodily injury'. She also filed a separate complaint with Greater Manchester Police.

On Monday evening, GMP confirmed in a statement to The Telegraph that they were making enquiries about the allegations: "Greater Manchester Police is aware of the allegations made and enquiries remain ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding this report. We will not be commenting any further at this time."

Antony subsequently released a statement on his Instagram account in which he denied the allegations, claiming 'false accusations'.

The United winger added: "I can say with confidence that the accusations are false and that the evidence already produced and more to be produced show that I am innocent of the accusations made.

"My relationship was Ms Gabriela was tumultuous, with verbal offenses from both sides, but I never practiced any physical aggression."

Manchester United told BBC Sport that they currently have no comment on the matter. SPORTbible has also contacted Manchester United for comment.

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He had been named in the Selecao squad by manager Fernando Diniz for the nation's upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Peru, which take place this month.

But in a statement on their official website, the Brazil football federation (CBF) have confirmed that Antony has been dropped from the squad.

They state: "Due to the facts that became public this Monday involving Manchester United player Antony, and which need to be investigated, and in order to safeguard the alleged victim, the player, the Brazilian team and the CBF, the organisation informs that the athlete has been withdrawn from the Brazilian team."

Antony has been replaced by Arsenal's Gabriel Jesus in the Brazil squad.