Manchester City defender Kyle Walker complained about being “harassed” and said Friday his family has been “torn apart” after admitting to breaking social-distancing rules again during the coronavirus pandemic.
A month after the England international apologized for hosting a party at his home during the lockdown, it was reported in British newspaper The Sun that Walker breached regulations three times in a 24-hour period this week by visiting family members and going on a cycle ride with a friend.
Walker posted a long statement on Twitter saying he feels he is being followed constantly while also raising mental health concerns.
“This is no longer solely affecting me,” Walker wrote, “but affecting the health of my family and my young children too.”
The British government has put in place social-distancing rules to combat the outbreak of the virus. More than 30,000 people in Britain have died from the virus, one of the world’s highest death rates.
Walker said he visited his home city of Sheffield on Wednesday. He hugged his sister after giving her a birthday card and present, then said he travelled to his parents’ house to pick up some home-cooked meals.
“It is sad, but I feel as though my life is being scrutinised without any context," Walker wrote. "I understand if people are upset or angry with me, but it was important for people to have a better understanding of my life.”
City said it would conduct an internal disciplinary procedure following Walker’s apology last month. The club hasn’t revealed any sanction against the 29-year-old right-back, who joined City from Tottenham in 2017 and has been a key member of its two Premier League title-winning campaigns under manager Pep Guardiola.
