Kyle Walker Targeted with Racist Abuse as Man City Issue Strong Statement

Manchester City has strongly condemned the "vile" racial abuse directed at Kyle Walker following their 2-0 defeat to Juventus on Wednesday.

A club statement read: "Manchester City strongly condemns the racist abuse that Kyle Walker was subjected to online after last night’s match. We refuse to tolerate discrimination in any form, whether in stadiums or online. We will be offering Kyle our full support in the wake of this disgusting treatment."

Walker himself addressed the abuse, sharing a screenshot of a threatening message that read: "Bro you can f*** around and die you stupid a** n****." In response, he posted: “No one should ever be subject to the vile, racist and threatening abuse I have received online since last night’s match. @instagram and the authorities need to stop this happening for the sake of all who are suffering this abuse. It is never acceptable. To our fans, we will continue working as a team to do better, to improve, and to turn the corner together.”

The Football Association (FA) also issued a statement: "We are incredibly disappointed that Kyle has been subject to such abhorrent abuse on social media. Discrimination of any kind is completely unacceptable. We support strong action by the authorities and social media companies."

Walker, 34, has made 14 appearances this season and has won numerous titles with Manchester City, including the Champions League, six Premier League titles, two FA Cups, and four League Cups.

• Edu Turns Down Arsenal's Last-Ditch Offer as True Reason for Leaving Emerges
• Amorim's 'Special Touch' as Sporting Thrash Man City

Kyle Walker was appointed Manchester City captain at the start of this season, joining a leadership group that includes Kevin De Bruyne, Ruben Dias, Rodri, Bernardo Silva, and Ilkay Gundogan. However, even their collective influence couldn't prevent City from falling to a 2-0 defeat to Juventus in midweek. Goals from Dusan Vlahovic and Weston McKennie left City with a challenging path ahead in the Champions League, as their place in the knockout stages is now in jeopardy.

This loss marked City's seventh defeat in their last ten matches across all competitions, and they now find themselves 22nd in the Champions League table. Their hopes of advancing to the playoffs hang by a thread, with crucial remaining group games against Paris Saint-Germain and Club Brugge.

City will face Manchester United in a high-stakes derby at the Etihad Stadium this weekend, followed by a tough test away to Aston Villa on December 21.

Reflecting on the Juventus defeat, manager Pep Guardiola said: "Of course, I’m questioning myself. I have my thoughts. I’m stable in both good and bad moments. I try to find a way to improve. I’m incredibly honest. If 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 improve and move forward. We’ve been in this situation many times this month. Tomorrow we’ll recover, prepare for United, focus on the good things we’re doing, and strive to be better."

Pep Guardiola Addresses Worrying Erling Haaland Footage with Urgent Call to Action

Pep Guardiola has addressed footage of Erling Haaland appearing to suffer an injury during Manchester City training, as the Premier League champions navigate a demanding schedule.