Manchester City vowed to investigate the allegations that club defender Kyle Walker broke the lockdown rules in force in the UK by holding a party with a friend and involving two sex workers last week. Walker has issued an apology over the incident, which City described as "directly contravened" to the club's ideals of players as role models.
In a statement, City said the tabloid reports of Walker's private actions, if true, would be "in breach of the UK lockdown and social distancing rules."
"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," BBC reported City's statement as saying.
The club reaffirmed that as role models, club players and employees "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."
City admitted: "Kyle's actions in this matter have directly contravened these efforts."
In reaction to the reports that came out on his alleged violation of the lockdown and social distancing measures implemented by the government, Walker said that his recent actions "are in direct contrast to what I should have been doing regarding the lockdown."
However, the defender also reminded that what was reported was about his private life and choices. He made clear though that apologies are in order considering the high-profile role he has with City.
"I understand that my position as a professional footballer brings the responsibility of being a role model ... I want to take this opportunity to issue a public apology for the choices I made last week ... I want to apologize to my family, friends, football club, supporters and the public for letting them down," Walker said in a social media post.
At the same time, the City defender maintained that following the lockdown rules remains important, as he stressed on the club supporters to "stay home, stay safe."
The Sun identified the woman that Walker partied with as Louise McNamara, a 21-year-old single mom. McNamara claimed Walker welcomed her to his apartment Tuesday night and they were joined by the footballer's friend and an unidentified Brazilian woman.
McNamara said of Walker: "He's a hypocrite and putting people at risk."
"On the one hand he's inviting strangers round to his house for sex, and the next day he's lecturing everyone on the need to stay safe," the woman told the UK publication.
The incident involving Walker is the second time a prominent figure in the Premier League was enmeshed in the breach of lockdown in the UK. Recently, Aston Villa captain Jack Grealish got involved in a car accident that resulted in him getting fined and issuing a public apology.
