Mason Greenwood may be gone from Manchester United, but the club still has a high profile player who has been accused of domestic violence. Very coincidentally, it is Antony, who was kind of signed as a measure to try and fill the void left by the then suspended Greenwood. Antony was dropped by the Brazilian national team yesterday, on the heels of fresh allegations of domestic violence made against him by his ex-girlfriend.
United did not follow suit though, and it appears they have no intention of dropping him any time soon. He was included in the club’s official roster for the upcoming UEFA Champions League group stage, which was released a little over an hour ago.
He had been initially named to the squad for this international period, but the Brazil Football Confederation (CBF) dropped the 23-year-old winger/attacking midfielder for this month’s World Cup qualifiers against Peru and Bolivia, stating that the new allegations “need to be investigated.
The CBF statement reads: “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the alleged victim, the player, the Brazilian team and the CBF, the organisation informs that the athlete has been withdrawn from the Brazilian team.
United have told the media that they are aware of the CBF’s decision but wouldn’t comment on it. Meanwhile Antony continues to maintain his innocence, and deny any wrongdoing.
Allegations of domestic violence were first made against Antony in June. As for Greenwood, he has been sent on season long loan to Getafe in Spain.
The full UCL squad is below, and it includes Jadon Sancho, who faces disciplinary action from the club after publicly lashing out over manager Erik ten Hag’s decision to leave him out of the squad.
Man United UEFA Champions League Group Stage Squad in Full
Goalkeepers
Altay Bayindir, Andre Onana, Tom Heaton
Defense
Diogo Dalot, Victor Lindelof, Tyrell Malacia, Lisandro Martinez, Sergio Reguilon, Raphael Varane, Jonny Evans, Luke Shaw, Harry Maguire, Aaron Wan-Bissaka
Midfield
Sofyan Amrabat, Casemiro, Christian Eriksen, Bruno Fernandes, Scott McTominay, Mason Mount
Attack
Antony, Jadon Sancho, Facundo Pellistri, Anthony Martial, Marcus Rashford, Rasmus Hojlund
Paul M. Banks is the owner/manager of The Sports Bank. He’s also the author of “Transatlantic Passage: How the English Premier League Redefined Soccer in America,” and “No, I Can’t Get You Free Tickets: Lessons Learned From a Life in the Sports Media Industry.”
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