London (AFP)
Manchester City defender Kyle Walker is said to have invited two prostitutes to his apartment, the British press reported on Sunday, a few days after advocating respect for confinement imposed by the coronavirus pandemic.
The 29-year-old English international has apologized and should be penalized, his club said.
According to the daily newspaper The Sun, the player, who had called his fellow citizens on March 24 on social networks to respect confinement, had invited two young prostitutes and a friend to his home on Tuesday.
The defender made his mea culpa in a statement issued Sunday by the tabloid. "I want to apologize to my family, friends, club, supporters and the public for dropping them," said Walker.
"There are heroes who are making a vital difference to society right now and I wanted to support them and highlight their incredible sacrifices and the work they have done to save lives over the past week" , he added.
For its part Manchester City said he was "disappointed to hear these allegations". We take note of Kyle's statement and quick apology, and we will be conducting internal disciplinary proceedings in the coming days, "said the club.
Walker is the second prominent player in the Premier League to violate confinement guidelines.
Aston Villa captain Jack Grealish went to a party last weekend. Photos of him in socks after a possible car accident had circulated on social networks. Just hours before this outing, the player also urged supporters to stay home.
Grealish apologized and was fined and disciplined by Villa.
© 2020 AFP