Manchester United star cleared of domestic violence charges after police probe

Antony had been accused by his ex-girlfriend Gabriela Cavallin of 'domestic violence, threat and bodily injury' last year.

The 24-year-old immediately denied all accusations before Cavallin file police reports in England and Brazil.

Soon after the mononymously-named player was first reported, two more women came forward and made similar allegations but one dropped her case.

Almost 12 months since the reports were made, Antony was given a 'period of absence' and missed the start of last season.

The Brazilian also spoke to Greater Manchester Police after jetting back to the United Kingdom, missing three Premier League matches.

Antony also gave a tearful interview live on Brazilian TV where he insisted he was innocent of all charges.

He said: "It's something that doesn't cross my mind.

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"I know the truth and it will show up. I know there are a lot of people butchering me, but the truth comes out."

Now after a year-long investigation, the case has been dropped and the Public Security Secretariat told Brazilian media: "The case was processed under confidentiality.

"More information should be requested from the courts."

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Antony's legal team have also released a statement, saying: "The defence of the player Antony Matheus Dos Santos, in view of the news published by the press this Tuesday, publicly confirms that the police investigation opened at the 5th Women's Defence Precinct of Sao Paulo, of the Civil Police, was closed without indictment.

"The defence has always believed that the investigations, which are being conducted under secrecy, would prove Antony's innocence."

Cavallin's lawyer Daniel Bialski has since revealed that they still believe that the Public Prosecutor's Office in Brazil will file a criminal complaint.

Bialski said: "It should be noted that there is overwhelming evidence that leaves no doubt that Gabriela was the victim, here in Brazil and in England, of physical and psychological aggression.

"Therefore, we await the statement from the Public Prosecutor's Office, trusting and hoping that a formal criminal complaint will be filed against former player Antony, who should be prosecuted and, ultimately, convicted for his multiple acts of violence against women."

The Greater Manchester Police are still investigating the matter.