Democracy Dies in Darkness

Manchester City’s Kyle Walker apologizes for partying with sex workers during lockdown

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Kyle Walker faces possible disciplinary action from Manchester City. (Facundo Arrizabalaga/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock)

Manchester City defender Kyle Walker apologized for reportedly paying two sex workers to visit his residence the day before he urged people to stay at home “following the protocols” during the novel coronavirus pandemic.

Walker, 29, is facing possible discipline by the club after the incident was reported by the Sun newspaper.

“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 about my private life in a tabloid newspaper,” he said in a statement to the Sun. “I understand that my position as a professional footballer brings the responsibility of being a role model. As such, I want to apologize 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 lockdown. And I want to reiterate the message: Stay home, stay safe.”

Louise McNamara, 21, told the newspaper she and a 24-year-old ­Brazilian woman were called March 24 to Walker’s home outside Manchester. He and another man agreed to pay the women around $2,700 for their services.

The day after the alleged incident, Walker urged his 1.7 million followers on Instagram to “stay indoors, keep washing your hands, keep following the protocols and just protect the [National Health Service]. It’s been tough, but first and foremost, we have to think about other people’s health and protecting the elderly and family members that can spread it.”

Manchester City said in a statement that it was aware of the “breach of the UK lockdown 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 workers in 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, note Kyle’s swift statement and apology, and will be conducting an internal disciplinary procedure in the coming days.”

British Health and Social Care Secretary Matt Hancock was asked April 5 about Scottish chief medical officer, Catherine Calderwood, visiting her second home. (Video: Reuters)

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