Sunderland Echo

Walker faces disciplina­ry action after holding party at his home

- Nick Mashiter Football Writer PA Sport

Kyle Walker is facing disciplina­ry action from Manchester City despite apologisin­g after breaching lockdown conditions.

The England defender has said sorry after it was widely reported he held a party at his home last week, breaking the Government's rules on social distancing.

The country is in lockdown to fight the coronaviru­s outbreak.

"I want to take this opportunit­y to issue a public apology for the choices I made last week which have resulted in a story today (Sunday) about my private life in a tabloid newspaper ," Walker' s statement read.

"I understand that my positionas a profession­al football er brings the responsibi­lity of being a role model.

“As such, I want to apologise to my family, friends, football club, supporters and the public for letting them down.

"There are heroes out there making a vital difference to society at the moment, and I have been keen to help support and highlight their amazing sacrifices and life-saving work over the past week.

"My actions in this matter are in direct contrast to what I should have been doing regarding the lock down.

“AndIwantto­re-iteratethe message: Stay home, stay safe ."

Walker is the second highprofil­e Premier League player to have been caught flouting the Government's guidelines after Aston Villa's Jack Grealish.

The Villa captain went to a party last weekend and was pictured next to a road in slippers, just hours after he posted a video urging fans to stay safe at home on social media.

Football is on hold with the corona virus outbreak shutting down sport and City will now look into Walker's conduct.

A club statement read: "Manchester City F Care aware of a story in a tabloid newspaper regarding the private life of Kyle Walker in relation to a breach of the UK lock down and social distancing rules.

"Footballer­s are global role models, and our staff and players have been working to support the incredible efforts of the NHS and other key workersin fighting the effects of the Covid-19 coronaviru­s, in any way we can.

“Kyle's actions in this matter have directly contravene­d these efforts.

"We are disappoint­ed to hear the allegation­s.

“We note Kyle's swift statement and apology, and will be conducting an internal disciplina­ry procedure in the coming days."

 ??  ?? Kyle Walker.
Kyle Walker.

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