Kyle Walker responds to critics following lockdown violation

The Manchester City defender has expressed discomfort owing to the constant criticism that he has received recently.

Manchester City and England defender, Kyle Walker, has hit back at the criticism he has faced since violating the lockdown measures in England. Incidentally, he was asked to issue an apology earlier as well, after it was reported that the full-back had hosted a party at his residence amid the lockdown due to the coronavirus outbreak. 

Now, Kyle Walker has taken to Twitter to express his unpleasant experience with the harsh criticism meted out to him since he broke the lockdown rules to visit his sister and parents. Citing that he is being harassed and it is taking a toll on both his and his family’s mental health.

“I feel as though I have stayed silent for long enough. In light of the most recent article published about me and my family, I feel as though I have no choice but to address things publicly," his statement read.

“I have recently gone through one of the toughest periods of my life, which I take full responsibility for. However, I now feel as though I am being harassed. This is no longer solely affecting me, but affecting the health of my family and my young children too,” he continued. 

Kyle Walker further added that, “In relation to the events on Wednesday, I traveled to Sheffield to give my sister a birthday card and present, but also to speak to one of the few people I believe I can trust in my life.”

Apparently, Kyle Walker broke the lockdown rules yet again when he visited his sister’s and parents in Sheffield. This has caused a furore and could also invite legal trouble, as it is being reported that the police could impose a fine or caution the star for the misdemeanor. 

“She (his sister) hugged me to remind me that she cares and that I am loved. What am I meant to do – push her away? I then traveled to my parents’ house to pick up some home-cooked meals. Again, it’s been an extremely tough couple of months for them,” he went on to add in his statement.

The 29-year-old is particularly upset with the invasion of his and his family’s privacy by the journalists, citing that such a behavior has brought on untoward mental health issues, as he now feels unsafe even at home.

“It’s been an extremely tough couple of months for them (his parents), everything I’ve gone through in my life they have gone through with me. What have my parents and sister done to deserve their privacy being invaded by photographers following me to their homes? I constantly feel as though I’m being followed,” he said.

The former Spurs defender concluded his statement by acknowledging his role as a role-model but has raised the question of his feelings being ignored in the garb of excessive criticism.

“I am a human being, with feelings or pain and upset just like everybody else. Being in the public eye as a professional athlete does not make you immune to this. I understand if people are upset or angry with me, but it was important for people to have a better understanding of my life.”

In recent times, players like Jack Grealish and Moise Kean have also landed themselves in trouble for breaching lockdown rules and this is a controversial issue that divides opinion.

Kyle Walker’s concerns are valid, as this is a time which is taking its toll on people’s mental health, but it is also important for influential people like him to adhere to the rules and encourage others to do the same, for the safety of the community.