Manchester City have condemned the racist abuse received online by defender Kyle Walker.
The England international, 34, revealed he had been subjected to “vile, racist and threatening abuse” following City’s Champions League defeat to Juventus on Wednesday evening.
Walker called on Instagram and authorities to do more to stop such abuse.
“No one should ever be subject to the sort of vile, racist and threatening abuse I have received online since last night’s match,” he posted.
“Instagram and the authorities need to stop this happening for the sake of all who are suffering this abuse. It is never acceptable.
“To our fans, we will continue to work as a team to do better, to improve, and to turn the corner together.”
The Athletic has approached Meta, the owner and operator of Instagram, for comment.
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
City called the abuse “disgusting” and offered Walker their full support.
A 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 captained City and played 90 minutes in Turin, a 14th appearance of the season for the club in all competitions.
Defeat was a seventh in 10 games for Pep Guardiola’s side and left them 22nd in the Champions League league phase.
Two games remain in the league phase and only the top 24 teams have a chance of progression to the knockout phase.
City return to action against rivals Manchester United in the Premier League on Sunday.
(Marco Bertorello/AFP via Getty Images)
