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 after the club’s 2-0 loss at Juventus.
Walker was part of the side beaten in Turin as Pep Guardiola’s team slipped to a seventh defeat in 10 matches.
“No one should ever be subjected to the sort of vile, racist and threatening abuse I have received online since last night’s match,” Walker wrote on his X and Instagram accounts.
“Instagram and the authorities need to stop this happening for the sake of all who are suffering this abuse. It is never acceptable.
Manchester City strongly condemns the racist abuse that Kyle Walker was subject to online following last night’s fixture.
— Manchester City (@ManCity) December 12, 2024
“To our fans, we will continue to work as a team to do better, to improve and to turn the corner together.”
City quickly condemned the racist attack. A club statement read: “Manchester City strongly condemns the racist abuse that Kyle Walker was subject to online following last night’s fixture.
“We refuse to tolerate discrimination of any kind, regardless of whether that be in stadiums or online.
“We will be offering Kyle our full support following the disgusting treatment he has received.”
Walker, 34, joined City for £50m in the summer of 2017 and he has won six Premier League titles, two FA Cups and the Champions League with the club.
A Premier League statement read: “The Premier League condemns all forms 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.
“The Premier League will support Kyle Walker and the club to tackle online hate.”
