Anthony Mathias, the focal point of the Manchester United team, has been involved in a "domestic violence controversy", and despite his denials in TV interviews, United officials released a statement on Sunday night (10th) condemning his behavior and announcing that they have reached an agreement with the player to temporarily delay his return to the team until a further announcement can be made.
Anthony, 23, has been charged with four counts of assault by his ex-girlfriend Cavallin, and two more women have recently claimed to have been attacked by him. In an interview with Brazil's SBT, Anthony admitted to having a strained and contentious relationship with Cavallin, claiming that the "I hope you die" WhatsApp message was just an angry remark and questioning Cavallin's publicized conversations that had been altered.
Faced with the accusation of "beating his girlfriend", Anthony categorically denied it: "I'm 100% sure I've never beaten my girlfriend, I have a mother and a sister and I know what it's like to be beaten, so there's no way I could have done such a thing." As for being removed from the Brazilian national team, he said, "I'm very sad, it's my dream to play for Brazil, and I hope that when the truth comes out I'll be able to play for my country again."
Not to be outdone by his "vulnerable" TV appearance, Cavallin blasted the Sun on Sunday (10), saying: "It's hard to believe that a club as big as Manchester United, which is run by a lot of professionals, could be covering up for something. How is it that Anthony is able to live his life as usual and continue to play soccer in the face of the allegations? I don't care how well known Anthony is or how high up he is, if United disciplined a teammate (Glynn Livett), why shouldn't Anthony be treated the same way? I will not give up and will make sure he is held accountable."
