Man City Star Confronts Referee After Arsenal Draw: "That’s Not Me Being Critical of Him"
Yesterday, Manchester City’s star right-back Kyle Walker faced off against referee Michael Oliver in the tunnel after a dramatic 2-2 draw against Arsenal. It was a match that will be remembered for its fiery exchanges and controversy, with Walker at the center of it all.
The English defender was restored to the team for the match, having started only one of City’s opening four Premier League matches. However, his afternoon was marked by a series of frustrating events, including the concession of a goal to Arsenal’s Gabriel Magalhaes and a heated exchange with Oliver.
According to sources, Walker confronted Oliver in the tunnel at halftime and "made his point" about a disputed free-kick that led to the opening goal. The debate has sparked a heated conversation about the role of VAR and the referee’s judgment in the game.
City players had earlier surrounded the referee immediately after the goal went in, with some sources suggesting that Walker had blamed himself for the conceded goal. However, he took to the media after the match to clarify the situation, stating that Oliver had called him over to the referee and that he thought the official had a tough job.
"I’ve not gone over to the referee," Walker said. "Me and Bukayo Saka have not gone over to the referee. He’s called us over. So if I’m being called over to the referee, he then should wait and allow me to get back in position before the ball is then gone over my head."
Walker went on to explain that, as a defender, it’s crucial to be set before the ball is restarted. "If he calls me over, if I go over of my own accord, fair enough," he said. "But for him to call both captains over, and then not let me get back in position… if I was a goalkeeper, does he let me get back in my net? Of course. I’m a defender, I’m the first line of defence. He should let me get back in and be set, and then blow the whistle."
The incident raises important questions about the relationship between players and referees and the role of VAR in modern football. As tensions continue to rise, we can expect more controversy to follow in the coming matches.
Follow us on all social media platforms for more updates and analysis