Kyle Walker has called for more to be done to prevent online abuse after the Manchester City defender was sent a “vile, racist and threatening” message following the club’s message. 2-0 defeat by Juventus.
Walker was part of the losing side in Turin as Pep Guardiola’s side fell to a seventh defeat in 10 games.
“No one should ever have to be subjected to the kind of abuse, racist and threatening that I have received online since last night’s game,” Walker wrote on his X and Instagram accounts.
“Instagram and the authorities need to stop this from happening for the sake of everyone who is suffering this abuse. It is never acceptable.
Manchester City strongly condemns the racist abuse Kyle Walker received online after yesterday’s game.
— Manchester City (@ManCity) December 12, 2024
“To our fans, we will continue to work as a team to get better, improve and turn the corner together.”
City quickly condemned the racist attack. The club’s statement read: “Manchester City strongly condemns the racist abuse Kyle Walker received online after yesterday’s game.
“We refuse to tolerate any kind of discrimination, regardless of whether it is on the pitches or online.
“We will offer Kyle our full support following the appalling treatment he received.”
Walker, 34, joined City for £50million in the summer of 2017 and has won six Premier League titles, two FA Cups and the Champions League with the club.
A statement from the Premier League read: “The Premier League condemns any form of discrimination. Racism has no place in our game or anywhere in society. We encourage anyone who hears or sees discriminatory abuse to report it so action can be taken.
“Premier League to back Kyle Walker and club to tackle online hate”.
