Manchester City have condemned the 'despicable' racist abuse of Kyle Walker in the aftermath of Wednesday's defeat to Juventus.
A statement from Manchester City read: “Manchester City strongly condemns the racist abuse Kyle Walker was subjected to online following last night's match.
“We refuse to tolerate any form of discrimination, whether in stadiums or online. We will offer Kyle our full support after the disgusting treatment he has suffered.”
Walker himself has also spoken out. He shared an image of a message he received that read: “Bro you can f**k off and die you stupid a** n****”.
Alongside the post, Walker wrote: “No one should ever be subjected to the kind of vile, racist and threatening abuse I have received online since last night's match. @instagram and the authorities must prevent this for the sake of everyone who suffers this abuse.
“It's never acceptable. To our fans, we will continue to work as a team to do better, improve and turn the corner together.”
Walker, 34, has made 14 appearances in all competitions this season. The 93-time England international has won the Champions League, six Premier League titles, two FA Cups and four League Cups, as well as a host of other titles during his time at City.
He was only appointed City captain at the start of this season, with Kevin De Bruyne, Ruben Dias, Rodri, Bernardo Silva and Ilkay Gundogan all in the club's leadership group.
But there was nothing they could do to stop Juventus emerging victorious in midweek. Goals from Dusan Vlahovic and Weston McKennie condemned City to defeat in Turin, putting City's Champions League place in jeopardy
It was their seventh defeat in their last ten appearances in all competitions. And that leaves them 22nd in the Champions League and under real threat of losing a play-off place ahead of their final group games against Paris Saint-Germain and Club Brugge.
Man City are back in action this weekend as they welcome city rivals Manchester United to the Etihad Stadium. They then face another Test match before Christmas with a trip to Aston Villa on Saturday, December 21.
Pep Guardiola said after the defeat to Juventus: “Of course [I am questioning myself]. I have my thoughts. I am stable in good and bad moments. I'm trying to find a way to do it. I am incredibly honest. When we play well, we play well.
“The dressing room is stable. When we win we are happy, when we lose we are not. What can we do? Feel sorry for ourselves. No, we will improve and move on. We have been in this situation many times this month. Recovery tomorrow, prepare yourself ahead of United with our people, push for the good things we are doing and try to be better.”
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