Pep Guardiola has addressed the issue of Kyle Walker ’s lockdown breaches in public for the first time.
The Manchester City star caused outrage when he broke social distancing rules by inviting two escorts to his house for a party in April.
And after facing club disciplinary action for that, he caused a second breach by driving to Sheffield to visit family - with the club not punishing that transgression due to extenuating circumstances.
Guardiola was given the chance to speak on the matter at today’s press conference, ahead of the return to action against Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium tomorrow night.
And the manager, who tends not to criticise his players in public, refused to condemn the England international.
“I judge my players with what happens on the pitch,” said Guardiola, who also referred to Walker’s public apology, which referred to his recent marriage break-up as making the lockdown an especially tough time.
“He made a brave statement about what happened in this period. The club spoke with him,” added Guardiola.
“I want the best for him and his family, his wife, his kids, his parents. The human being always come first ahead of the football player. Kyle expressed his thoughts in a statement.”
