PLAY DELAY
Man Utd’s Antony WON’T be picked for Crystal Palace match despite return to training after police quiz on ‘abuse’ claims
MANCHESTER United winger Antony will not play in Saturday's match against Crystal Palace after being quizzed by cops on domestic abuse allegations.
Earlier today the Red Devils said its £85million Brazilian ace would return to training following an agreed leave of absence.
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Man United boss Erik Ten Hag said: "I don't think it's a distraction. We will focus on the games. He will do as well.
"On Saturday, he will be back in training, so tomorrow."
The star faced a voluntary police interview yesterday following allegations of assault by his ex Gabriela Cavallin.
He is currently being investigated by police in both Manchester and Sao Paulo – and was axed from the Brazil national team for their World Cup qualifiers this month.
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It has been reported in Brazil that Gabriela has told police that £150,000-a-week Antony assaulted her four times.
She previously alleged she was first attacked in June 2022 while pregnant and on holiday in Brazil.
And she claimed in January Antony headbutted and punched her in a Manchester hotel, damaging a breast implant.
And she claimed he threw a glass at her in May, injuring her finger.
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In a statement today, the Premier League club confirmed the £85million winger's return to training at Carrington.
But the star won't be involved in training today or in Saturday's match against Crystal Palace.
Man Utd said: "Since allegations were first made in June, Antony has cooperated with police inquiries in both Brazil and the UK, and he continues to do so.
"As Antony’s employer, Manchester United has decided that he will resume training at Carrington, and be available for selection, while police inquiries proceed.
"This will be kept under review pending further developments in the case.
"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.”
Antony, who has made 31 appearances for United since the alleged assaults, has denied all wrongdoing and vowed to clear his name.
The announcement comes after the player was pictured leaving a Manchester police station following a five-hour grilling by cops.
The winger landed at Manchester Airport on Monday night after flying in from Sao Paulo, Brazil to face the music.
Antony allegedly contacted Greater Manchester Police and volunteered to meet them for questioning.
The Man United ace is said to be planning to hand his phone over to officers to aid their investigations, reports.
And exactly 20 days ago, Cavallin led calls for Antony to be dropped from the squad in an exclusive interview with The Sun on Sunday.
Gabriela said: “Antony needs to be taken off the pitch. It’s disappointing he’s still allowed to play while there’s an investigation.
“I am absolutely destroyed by the whole process. How can life go on as normal for him? They can’t just know what they know now and not do anything. He needs to be removed.”
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Earlier this month, Antony was granted an indefinite leave of absence from the Red Devils.
Club sources had insisted he had not been suspended and would remain on full pay during his time away from Old Trafford.
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