Walker avoids charges after bar probe

GARETH SOUTHGATE will stand by Kyle Walker for next week’s European Championship qualifiers against Italy and Ukraine after the England defender received a slap on the wrist from police following an incident in a Cheshire bar. Manchester City full back Walker will not face criminal charges after being quizzed by police following allegations reported by the Sun that he had exposed himself in a bar in Wilmslow. Walker, 32, was voluntarily spoken to by officers over the matter but it is understood he has now been dealt with only for being drunk and disorderly. In a statement yesterday, Cheshire Police revealed Walker had been handed an out of court disposal order.

The force describe such an order on their website as being used to ‘deal with low-level crime and anti-social behaviour instead of taking an offender to court. They are a way to resolve an investigation where the offender is known and has admitted to the offence.’ Walker has therefore not been charged or cautioned and will not have a criminal record. England manager Southgate named Walker in his squad as there was no conclusive evidence to leave him out. But Southgate added: ‘If that changes we have to review the situation.’ Cheshire Police said: ‘On Wednesday March 8, Cheshire Constabulary was made aware of a video circulating on social media in relation to an alleged incident at a bar in the Wilmslow area. ‘Officers have now concluded their enquiries which included speaking to those directly involved. ‘A 32-year-old man from Prestbury voluntarily attended a police station for questioning on March 16. He has been dealt with by an out of court disposal and the matter is now closed.’