Manchester United star Antony has been officially dropped from the Brazil squad for this international break after fresh allegations of domestic assault have been levelled at the player, and both Brazilian and Greater Manchester Police are now said to be investigating the claims.
Antony had already been accused of domestic abuse and acts physical of assault by his ex-girlfriend Gabriela Cavallin earlier this year, but the 23-year-old insisted that there was no truth to these claims, assuring that his “innocence will be proven” following an investigation back in his home country.
However, following fresh allegations and evidence reportedly coming to light, Brazil’s national team have decided to drop the Man United winger from the squad until the matter is resolved.
Issuing a statement on Monday 4 September, they wrote: “As a result of the facts that have come to light, and which need to be investigated, and in order to safeguard the supposed victim, the player, and the Brazilian national team the CBF have withdrawn [him] from the squad.”
🚨🎙️ | CBF statement:
"In light of the facts which came to light on Monday (04/09) concerning #mufc player Antony, which must be investigated, and in order to safeguard the alleged victim, the player, the Brazilian national team and the CBF, the organization informs that the… pic.twitter.com/EOcKhTS4ce
Brazil’s official statement confirming why Antony has been dropped.
Responding the further allegations published in Brazilian outlet UOL on Monday, Ms Cavallin provided access to videos, images and messages that corroborate her claims – which are said to include throwing a glass which result in “cutting her fingers to the bone”.
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The 22-year-old also went on to expand on a previous allegation made on TV in more detail. “I don’t remember exactly who the fight was about, but it was someone I had been with years ago”, said Cavallin. “He punched me in the chest and my silicone turned over”, adding that she required surgery and that Antony responded by stating, “I didn’t mean to hurt you, it was accidental, it wasn’t a punch; I just pushed you and held you against the wall”.
Following this latest report, Antony has once again come out to deny the claims in a statement on social media, writing: “Out of respect for my fans, friends and family, I feel obligated to speak publicly about the false allegations I have been a victim of. From the beginning I have handled this issue seriously with respect, providing due clarifications to authorities.
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“The police inquest is still ongoing, therefore, I cannot make the content public. However, 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”.
Antony’s response to the fresh assault allegations.
He goes on to insist that his relationship with the DJ and influencer “was tumultuous, with verbal offence from both sides”, but that he “never practiced any physical aggression”.
Prior to this most recent report in Brazilian media, when asked if Antony’s allegations were of concern to him at the time, Man United manager Erik ten Hag simply replied, “No”, adding that “the outcome in Brazil was clear” and that their focus is “on football and on performing.”
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To make matters worse, with this fresh scandal coming just a couple weeks after United finally parted ways with Mason Greenwood following his own allegations of assault and attempted rape, many are piling pressure on the club to make a clear stance against domestic abuse.
Whether things will progress to the point that Antony is not just dropped, but suspended and/or removed from the squad entirely as the case carries on, remains to be seen.
2024 Manchester Marathon raises £29 million for local economy and over £3.7m for charity
Danny Jones
Just under a fortnight on from the 2024 Manchester Marathon and the numbers are finally, with the annual race generating nearly £30 million for the local economy and raising over £3.7m for charity.
This year’s Adidas Manchester Marathon saw record numbers of runners and spectators as over 30,000 took part in the popular race, up by roughly 6,000 from 2023, and more than 125k turned up to line the streets of Greater Manchester.
As a result, these huge crowds spent upwards of £29.2 million at business around the city centre and around the 10 boroughs last weekend, serving as one of the most significant contributions to the local economy on the annual calendar.
Not only was this an approximately £8m increase on last year’s tally but, most importantly, a sizeable chunk of that went straight into both regional and national charities.
The 2024 adidas Manchester Marathon was a spectacular day for the city and its economy.
Beyond the boost to local vendors, the hospitality sector and retail businesses, over £3.7 million were allocated to charities such as Alzheimer’s Charity, Cancer Research UK, British Heart Foundation and The Christie.
Over £32,000 was also raised for the Trafford Active Fund, with £1 from every paid entry to the Adidas Manchester Marathon and Manchester Half donated directly to the initiative that benefits local sports clubs and organisations through Trafford Council.
Better still, with City of Trees selected as the chosen ‘Green Runner’ charity, the eco-friendly drive saw roughly 7% of participants opt out of receiving either a finisher t-shirt, medal or both.
The money saved in production goes towards maintaining woodlands and wildlife across Greater Manchester.
Together you have raised over £3.7 million for charitable causes, adding even more meaning to those 26.2 miles 💕 Well done and thank you to all those who fundraised and donated! 🌟Tag us in those charity top pictures from last weekend 😍😍#ManchesterMarathonpic.twitter.com/5gsi6NtFzB
This year’s Manchester Marathon also helped produce some of the highest number of passengers on public transport in the city’s history, with a over 175,000 journeys made on Metrolink alone – the highest number of journeys ever recorded on a single day.
This was a 20% increaseon 2023’s race day (145k), spotlighting how the event continues to be more environmentally conscious as years go by.
With the 2025 adidas Manchester Marathon confirmed to be taking place on Sunday, 27 April next year – and over 12,000 places already sold – the city can already look forward to reaping the economic and social benefits of hosting one of Europe’s largest, flattest, friendliest and most-loved marathons.
Featured Images — Adidas Manchester Marathon/The Manc Group
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‘Enough is enough’: Marcus Rashford calls out fans for ‘months’ of abuse
Danny Jones
Manchester United star Marcus Rashford has put his foot down in a social media post, calling for an end to ‘months of abuse’ from both his own supporters and beyond.
It’s fair to say that the 26-year-old hasn’t been enjoying his best season in a United shirt and while he has had his moments this year – his goal against Arsenal and stunning opener in the Manchester derby, just to name a couple – he’s come under a lot of pressure from supporters.
Rashford previously came out to address the situation in a Players Tribune interview back in February, stating, “I can’t have people questioning my commitment to Man United”, but now the England international has reiterated the point after someone came to his defence on X.
Quoting a fan who wrote that “the way Marcus Rashford is being treated is absolutely disgusting”, calling the behaviour online and on matchdays in some cases as “cruel” and downright abuse”, he responded by declaring: “Enough is enough”.
I appreciate your support! It is abuse and has been for months. Enough is enough https://t.co/MUfiU0JwEb
The Wythenshawe winger has already labelled doubts over his effort levels, love and loyalty to the club “ridiculous”, reiterating time and time again that he’s a boyhood Red, but that hasn’t stopped people continuing to criticise him online.
Sadly, while he’s also insisted that he “can take criticism” and headlines when his performances aren’t quite up to scratch, the negativity hasn’t just been limited to social media and has been spilling out into the matchday stands.
Reports of Rashford being booed off the pitch by his own supporters at Wembley during United’s admittedly chaotic performance against Coventry City in the FA Cup semi-final were confirmed by multiple sources at the time.
Although he didn’t comment on the response from the travelling Reds at the time, it’s now clear he was abundantly aware of the frosty reception as he was substituted, with many within the fan base and beyond calling the decision to boo your own players “classless” and “shameful”.
We were in the west press box (among Coventry fans) so amid the din after the equaliser and anticipation of ET, the booing of Rashford wasn't as audible as on TV. Relationship between player and matchgoers is broken. In the interests of all parties he goes in the summer. #mufc
Fans play a part in performances! Especially with social media, you can say players shouldn’t be on twitter or whatever but that’s not the point. How could rashford possibly perform when half the fanbase is calling him THE problem???
With seven goals and five assists to his name across all competitions this season, it’s fair to say Marcus Rashford has been a far cry away from the heights he has managed to hit in recent years.
It was only last season that he hit a career-high record of 40 goal contributions, sitting as one of the most prolific players in all of Europe during another difficult season for the club, even managing to surpass club legend Andy Cole’s record.
Just goes to show how short people’s memories can really be – especially when it comes to football – and Erik ten Hag has already urged patience from his fans when it comes to his players, and not just his number ten.
‘The Beautiful Game’ is and always will be a fickle sport but it’s worth reminding of just how much the academy product has already delivered during his time at Man United. Anyone can have a tough season.
Danny Jones -
5th September 2023 
