Kyle Walker Faces Intense Backlash for Controversial Behavior in Manchester Derby as Manchester City Suffers Dramatic Loss to Manchester United

Kyle Walker’s performance during the Manchester derby on Sunday has sparked major criticism.

Once hailed as one of the Premier League’s top right-backs, Walker’s actions on the pitch during the match have left fans and pundits alike calling him “pathetic.”

United Clinches Victory

Manchester United triumphed over their bitter rivals, Manchester City, in a dramatic comeback.

Amad Diallo played a key role, helping the Red Devils secure all three points in the final stages of the game.

This victory further highlights City’s ongoing struggles, as they’ve now won just once in their last 11 matches across all competitions.

Walker’s Struggles Continue

Walker, a player once celebrated for his blistering pace and consistency, has been underperforming this season.

The spotlight fell on him during the first half of the derby, not for a great play but for a controversial incident that raised eyebrows.

The Controversial Incident

After City took the lead through Josko Gvardiol, Walker was involved in a clash with Rasmus Hojlund as the United forward attempted to launch a counterattack.

The two squared off, and moments later, Walker went to the ground, seemingly exaggerating the contact in an effort to draw attention from the referee.

Some observers speculated that Walker was trying to get Hojlund penalized, though replays later showed there was no significant contact to warrant his fall.

Fans and Pundits React

The incident did not go unnoticed, and social media erupted with fans mocking Walker, especially in light of his personal life drama.

His separation from ex-wife Annie Kilner and a public revelation about his child with Lauryn Goodman led some to draw harsh comparisons between his on-field antics and his off-field controversies.

Criticism poured in from all directions.

On Sky Sports, Gary Neville and Roy Keane were particularly vocal, with Keane condemning Walker’s actions as embarrassing.

“Walker must be embarrassed, to go down like that,” Keane said.

Neville, meanwhile, likened the incident to one from his own playing days, noting that it was “poor from Walker” and that he’d likely be embarrassed after seeing the replay.

Further Criticism From the Public

Prominent figures outside the game also joined in the backlash. Piers Morgan echoed Keane’s sentiment, calling Walker’s behavior “absolutely pathetic.”

Lord Alan Sugar added his thoughts on social media, stating that Walker deserved a red card for “acting” and went down “like he was hit by a train.”

Football writer Sam Pilger didn’t hold back either, labeling Walker’s actions as “naked cheating.”

Others, like JJ Bull from The Athletic, suggested a harsher punishment, arguing that Walker should have been sent off for his actions.

International Reactions

Frank De Boer, a former Netherlands international, expressed his outrage, calling Walker’s behavior “ridiculous” and lamenting the impact such actions have on the game.

“This is screwing up our game of football,” De Boer said, comparing the situation to the more honorable conduct in rugby.

Walker’s Actions Spark Debate on Fair Play

Critics argue that Walker’s attempt to get a fellow professional sent off by exaggerating contact is one of the worst things a player can do on the field.

Many believe there should be stricter punishment for such behavior to deter future incidents and maintain the integrity of the sport.

Ben Thornley’s Reaction

Ben Thornley, a former United academy player, added his voice to the criticism, referencing Walker’s attempt to cheat during the match.

“Cheats never prosper,” Thornley said, adding that Walker’s actions were inexcusable.

Hojlund Takes a Swipe at Walker

Rasmus Hojlund, who had a pivotal role in United’s victory, couldn’t resist taking a cheeky dig at Walker.

After the game, Hojlund posted a picture of the incident on Instagram with a playful caption, saying, “Manchester is red, violets are blue. What a brilliant performance, but the Oscar goes to…”

What’s Next for Manchester City?

Manchester City’s next chance to turn around their poor form comes this weekend against Aston Villa, a team also struggling for consistency.

City will need to bounce back quickly if they are to avoid further scrutiny over their ongoing slump.

This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!

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