Manchester City defender Kyle Walker has spoken out against the vile, racist, and threatening abuse he received online following his team’s 2-0 defeat to Juventus in the Champions League on Wednesday. The 34-year-old took to social media on Thursday to condemn the offensive messages, which included a racial slur and a disturbing doctored image.
Walker shared two screenshots via Instagram Stories, revealing the hateful messages directed at him. One included a racial slur, while another depicted an edited image of Walker wearing what appeared to be a suicide bomber vest. He described the image as unacceptable and called for immediate action to address such toxic behavior on social media platforms.
No one should ever be subjected to the sort of vile, racist, and threatening abuse I have received online since last night’s match, Walker wrote in statements posted on Instagram and X, formerly known as Twitter. He urged both social media companies and authorities to take decisive steps to combat online abuse. Instagram and the authorities need to stop this happening, for the sake of all who are suffering this abuse. It is never acceptable.
The England international also took a moment to address Manchester City fans, reassuring them of the team’s commitment to improvement. To our fans, we will continue to work as a team to do better, to improve, and to turn the corner together, he added, signaling his focus on unity and resilience in the face of adversity.
Meta, the parent company of Instagram and Facebook, confirmed to CNN that it is working closely with Walker to address the issue. A Meta spokesperson stated that the company is taking appropriate action, although specific details about these measures were not disclosed.
Walker’s experience highlights the ongoing problem of racism and abuse faced by athletes on social media platforms. Despite efforts to combat hate speech, incidents like these continue to tarnish the online space, raising questions about the effectiveness of existing measures. Many high-profile figures in sports and beyond have called for stricter regulations and more proactive moderation by tech companies to protect individuals from such harassment.
This incident also underscores the emotional toll such abuse takes on players, who are often targeted for their performances or perceived shortcomings on the field. Walker’s decision to speak out reflects a broader movement among athletes to call attention to these issues and demand systemic change.
As conversations around online safety intensify, this incident serves as a sobering reminder of the challenges faced by public figures in the digital age and the urgent need for solutions to create a safer and more inclusive online environment.
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