Manchester City has strongly condemned online racist abuse directed at their captain, Kyle Walker, following the team’s 2–0 defeat to Juventus in the Champions League on Wednesday.
According to Reuters, the 34-year-old defender was subjected to racial insults after the loss, which saw the Premier League champions slip to 22nd place in the Champions League league phase standings.
In a statement on Thursday, Manchester City said: “We have zero tolerance for discrimination of any kind, whether in stadiums or online. We will provide Kyle with our full support after the disgusting treatment he has endured.”
The Premier League also expressed its support for Walker and City, stating: “Racism has no place in our game or society.”
Walker shared a screenshot of the abuse on social media, saying: “No one should ever face this kind of vile, racist abuse and threats. Instagram and the authorities must act to stop this for the sake of everyone who suffers from such violations. It is completely unacceptable.”
Manchester City’s form has dipped significantly, with just one win in their last 10 matches across all competitions.
Walker concluded: “To our fans, we will keep working together as a team to improve and turn things around.”