- Suspends Brazilian Winger, Antony from club activities for now
Premier League side, Manchester United seems to be having a running problem with women, as some of the players of the elite team seem not to know how to handle their fame and fortune, especially around women.
Under new coach, Erik Ten Hag, two notable players have been involved in spats with women in circumstances that have seemingly put the club in bad light, publicly.
Mason Greenwood was the first player to come under the searchlight. Recall that Greenwood had been under investigation since 2022 for alleged sexual violence against his then girlfriend. Even when the investigation was dropped by the British Police, his reinstatement into the club was resisted by feminist groups. Greenwood was forced into a loan move to Spanish side, Getafe after Manchester United buckled under pressure from the feminist and allied groups.
Now it is the turn of Brazilian winger, Antony to be under the searchlight regarding violence to women.
After allegations of violence were made against Antony by his girlfriend, the club decided to exclude the player from the team till the situation becomes clearer. To make matters worse for Antony, the Brazilian National Team also decided to drop him from the squad for the same issues.
How did it all unravel for the winger who joined Manchester United from Dutch side, Ajax for $100m?
Gabriella Cavallin, 22, the girlfriend of Antony had alleged that the player had assaulted her on four different occasions. Two other women, law student Rayssa de Freitas and banker Ingrid Lana, have made similar allegations against the winger in Brazil. Cavallin had earlier called on Manchester United to drop Antony from its squad for the alleged infringements.
Gabriella Cavallin
Antony who has denied the allegations has not been arrested by the police.
Manchester United were forced to issue a statement excluding Antony from the club’s activities. An excerpt from the statement reads:
‘Manchester United acknowledges the allegations made against Antony.
‘Players who have not participated in international matches are due back in training on Monday. However, it has been agreed with Antony that he will delay his return until further notice in order to address the allegations.
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.’
This is clearly a bad situation for the club and their $100m investment.
Maybe a deeper reflection on why this same issue is reoccurring with the club and its players. Maybe there ought to be a deeper reflection on the orientation of the young players in the club. When huge sums of money are handed to players barely out of their teens, there is a need to orientate and guide them on how to behave, especially with the opposite sex.
Manchester United needs to move away from this cloud of abuse involving its prized players.
