Following new charges of domestic violence against the Manchester United player, Antony was removed from the Brazil national team on Monday.
The 23-year-old had been selected for the team to play in the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying matches against Bolivia and Peru, but the Brazil Football Confederation (CBF) has since withdrawn him from international duty due to charges "which need to be investigated."
In Brazil, Antony's ex-girlfriend initially reported him to the police in June, alleging four prior instances of domestic abuse, bodily harm, and threats. The BBC claims that Antony "with a headbutt" attacked his ex-girlfriend in a Manchester hotel room in January. She claimed that during the event, she was also punched in the chest, and as a result, she required surgery.
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New allegations were then made against Antony on Monday, which is what led to the CBF moving to release him.
The statement issued by the CBF read: "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the alleged victim, the player, the Brazilian team and the CBF, the organisation informs that the athlete has been withdrawn from the Brazilian team."
Brazilian authorities are looking into the allegations, and Manchester police have also received a complaint.
Greater
Manchester Police issued a statement Monday that read: "Greater Manchester
Police is aware of the allegations made and enquiries remain ongoing to
establish the circumstances surrounding this report.
Antony played for Brazil at the World Cup in Qatar and has scored two goals in 16 games for the national team. He played 84 minutes of Man United's 3-1 loss to Arsenal on Sunday.
In response to the allegations, Antony posted a statement on social media in which he insisted the “accusation are false.”
It read: "Out of respect for my fans, friends and family, I feel obligated to speak publicly about the false accusations I have been a victim of. From the beginning I have handled this issue seriously and with respect, providing the due clarifications to the police authority.
"The police inquest is under the cover of justice and therefore I cannot make its content public. However, I can say with confidence that the accusations are false and the evidence already produced and more to be produced show that I am innocent of the accusations made."
Arsenal forward Gabriel Jesus was called up to the national team for the two scheduled games as a replacement.
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