Man Utd accused of covering up Antony's allegations by ex-girlfriend's lawyers

Manchester United have been accused of trying to cover up allegations that Brazil star Antony attacked his ex-girlfriend.

The bombshell accusation has been made by Gabriela Cavallin and her lawyers to Sao Paulo Civil Police who are investigating the allegations of assault alongside Greater Manchester Police.

United described any suggestion of a cover-up as 'categorically false' on Wednesday night.

Cavallin claims that the club despatched senior player support officer Daniele Bertoli to the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Manchester where it's alleged that Antony assaulted his then girlfriend on January 15.

She says that the 23-year-old headbutted her and then caused one of her breast implants to become dislodged by throwing her forcefully onto the bed and falling on top of her. She claims to have needed reconstructive surgery and also suffered a cut to her head.

Cavallin's legal team allege that Bertoli tried to conceal the attack by calling a club doctor to assess her so that she would not go to a hospital and arouse any suspicion.

Reports in Brazil on Wednesday claimed that they have asked Sao Paulo Police to investigate Bertoli's role in the incident, and lawyers have also requested CCTV footage from the hotel.

United confirmed on Wednesday night that a member of staff arranged for a private doctor to visit Cavallin at Antony's request, but denied that she was treated by any of the club's medical staff.

It's understood to be common for United's welfare team to arrange for doctors to see partners and family members of players.

The club insist that it was not aware of any of the allegations of assault against Antony until they appeared in the Brazilian media in June.

A statement read: 'Any suggestion that the club covered-up these allegations is categorically false.'

Antony has denied Cavallin's claims that he assaulted her on four occasions and volunteered himself for interview in June. United have also said that they will co-operate with any police inquiries.

The club have resisted calls from domestic abuse campaigners to suspend the player, although manager Erik ten Hag has the option to rest Antony and shield him from the spotlight when his team return to action against Brighton in nine days' time.

United issued a short statement on Wednesday saying: 'Manchester United acknowledges the allegations made against Antony and notes that the police are conducting enquiries. Pending further information, the club will be making no further comments.

'As a club, we are taking this matter seriously, with consideration of the impact of these allegations and subsequent reporting will have on survivors of abuse.'

United have been advised to proceed cautiously on the basis that police investigations are ongoing in both the UK and Brazil.

The club have tried to learn from criticism of their handling of Mason Greenwood, who was suspended for 18 months and sent out on loan to Getafe last week after being accused of attempted rape and assault. Greenwood denies the allegations and the Crown Prosecution Service dropped all charges in February.

United spoke to officials from the Professional Footballers' Association on Wednesday and have also taken advice from Women's Aid in recent weeks.

Teresa Parker, head of media at Women's Aid, who developed the Football United Against Domestic Violence campaign, said: 'We have been speaking to Manchester United over the past few weeks, and recently met with them to talk about the work we do at the charity and in our football campaign.

'Sharing insights and knowledge are important to creating understanding of domestic abuse, which can then be factored into future decision making.

'At Women's Aid we welcome these conversations, and value building relationships that we hope will have a positive impact moving forward.'