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Kyle Walker claims to have been mispositioned by the referee when he called him just moments before Ricardo Calafiori scored Arsenal's equaliser
Manchester City captain Kyle Walker has candidly discussed his frustrations following a heated exchange with referee Michael Oliver during Sunday’s thrilling 2-2 draw against Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium.
The match was filled with drama, and Walker's irritation stemmed from the pivotal moment leading up to Arsenal's equalizer.
In the first half, Walker was caught out of position after Oliver called him and Bukayo Saka over for a discussion.
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This decision proved costly as Riccardo Calafiori capitalized on the situation, curling in a stunning equalizer that shifted the momentum in favor of the Gunners.
Reflecting on the incident, Walker expressed his disappointment on Radio 5 Live, stating, “I’ve not gone over to the referee. Me and Bukayo have not gone over to the referee—he’s called us over.”
The England right-back emphasized the importance of positioning in such high-stakes games. “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 explained.
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He pointed out that if he had approached the referee on his own accord and ended up out of position, it would be his responsibility.
However, given that Oliver summoned him, Walker felt it was reasonable for him to expect a moment to regain his defensive stance.
Walker added, “I’m walking back saying, ‘Lads, concentrate, nothing stupid, make sure we get through this.’ The ball is then going over my head.”
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While he acknowledged the challenges referees face, he also highlighted the need for consistency in their decision-making, particularly regarding player positioning.
“It’s a very hard job, especially at the top level. 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 defense. He should let me get back in and be set before blowing the whistle,” Walker argued.
In addition to the referee's role, Walker acknowledged Arsenal's tactical approach, describing their use of "dark arts" to break up the flow of the game. “It’s part and parcel of the game that we see the dark arts,” he noted, recognizing that teams often employ various strategies to gain an advantage.
The late equalizer from John Stones salvaged a point for City, but Walker's comments underline the fine margins that often define matches at this level.
Do you think Kyle Walker is right?
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