Report: Antony dropped from Brazil squad after evidence of alleged domestic violence surfaces

Manchester United forward Antony has reportedly been dropped from the Brazilian national team by the CBF following the emergence of new evidence in a domestic violence case in which the winger is implicated. 

The 23-year-old was initially called by the Selecao for the international break and was set to be involved in CONMEBOL World Cup qualifiers for Brazil against Bolivia and Peru later this month.

 As Pulse Sports reported, today, Brazilian publication UOL released screenshots of texts and audio clips apparently from Antony, providing evidence in the case of suspected domestic abuse by the Manchester United forward. This has sparked increased media attention to the issue.\

The 23-year-old Brazilian forward has been accused of battering his estranged girlfriend on numerous occasions, including as recently as March this year, but has been persistent in denying the accusations. 

Following the reports, Antony once again released a statement claiming innocence and saying he trusts that the authorities will vindicate him. 

According to Fabrizio Romano, the CBF dropped Antony following the report by UOL, and they released the following statement:

"In light of the facts which came to light on Monday (04/09) concerning Manchester United player Antony, which must be investigated, and in order to safeguard the alleged victim, the player, the Brazilian national team, and the CBF, the organisation informs that the athlete has been removed from the Brazilian national team."