Manchester United footballer Antony has hit back at an accusation of assault by Ingrid Lana, publishing a series of WhatsApp messages in an attempt to discredit her.
Lana, a 33-year-old banker, claimed in an interview with Record TV in Brazil that Antony was aggressive towards her in October.
She accused the 23-year-old winger of pushing her against a wall after he tried to kiss her.
Antony is being investigated by police in Sao Paulo and Manchester after his ex-girlfriend Gabriela Cavallin accused him of assaulting her four times. Antony has denied all allegations.
Last Thursday, two more women in Brazil came forward with allegations against the £85 million player.
Manchester United winger Antony has hit back at an allegation of assault by Ingrid Lana
The Brazil and Manchester United winger published four screenshots of a conversation – allegedly with Lana – in which he hit back at her accusations
In another Instagram post, Antony wrote: ‘I don’t want it, but I am forced to publish a small part of the WhatsApp conversations with Ingrid, which shows that we had only a single meeting, intimate and consensual. ‘This issue with this fraudster will be resolved in court!!’
Law student Rayssa de Freitas claims she required hospital treatment following an incident in May last year when she was attacked by Antony and Mallu Ohana – the ex-wife of Brazilian player Dudu – in Antony’s Land Rover after the three entered a nightclub in Sao Paulo to leave. .
Lana then made her accusations against Antony in a TV interview. ‘He tried to have sex with me, but I didn’t want him to. He pushed me against the wall and I hit my head.’
United announced on Sunday that Antony will remain away from the club until further notice. He has not been suspended, but placed on paid leave so he has time to defend himself against the claims.
Antony went to his Instagram account Sunday evening with a series of posts, including four screenshots of WhatsApp conversations allegedly with Lana.
He also wrote: ‘I don’t want to, but I am forced to publish a small part of the WhatsApp conversations with Ingrid, which shows that we had only one meeting, intimate and consensual.
‘This issue with this fraudster will be resolved in court!!’
In one of the messages, the person messaging Antony says “if you want, I’ll wait naked in bed.”
In another, Antony is angry that the person took screenshots of his conversations and says, “I don’t think it’s cool, so please delete it.”
DJ and influencer Gabriela Cavallin has made several accusations against the Man United star
Cavallin filed a police report in Brazil in June and subsequently spoke out during a television interview
In a statement to the Brazilian news channel GloboAntony said: ‘I was chatting with Ingrid on WhatsApp. When she went to Portugal to attend her cousin’s birthday, she asked to meet me in Manchester, with the clear intention of meeting me intimately, and asking me if I preferred red or white lingerie.
‘I bought a ticket and booked her a hotel. I even met her at the aforementioned hotel and we had an intimate and consensual encounter.
“Although she insisted that we meet again for another intimate encounter, I was unable to see her again due to scheduling issues when she returned to Brazil. I’ve never met her since.
‘All this that I am now saying is undoubtedly proven in WhatsApp messages, which I just do not publish in full to preserve the right to privacy.
“However, I will, if necessary, provide the appropriate channels to prove my innocence, and to propose appropriate remedial measures and request investigations.”
United’s decision, which follows talks between CEO Richard Arnold and manager Erik ten Hag, comes in the wake of Brazil’s decision to drop Antony from their squad for the World Cup qualifiers against Bolivia and Peru on Monday evening.
Antony is facing domestic violence charges but has not been arrested or charged and insists he has done nothing wrong
Brazil have dropped Antony from their squad for the World Cup qualifiers against Bolivia and Peru
A statement read: ‘Manchester United acknowledges the allegations against Antony. Players who have not participated in international matches must return to training on Monday.
‘However, it has been agreed with Antony that he will postpone his return until further notice in order to address the allegations.
‘As a club we condemn violence and abuse. We recognize the importance of protecting everyone involved in this situation, and acknowledge the impact these allegations have on survivors of abuse.”
The player said: ‘I have agreed with Manchester United to take a period of absence while I address the allegations against me.
“This was a mutual decision to avoid distraction for my teammates and unnecessary controversy for the club.
“I would like to reiterate my innocence of the things I have been accused of, and I will cooperate fully with the police to help them find the truth. I’m looking forward to playing again as soon as possible.’