A LIP READER claimed Kyle Walker threatened to “knock out” Neal Maupay after he “spoke about his kids”.
The Premier League footballers clashed during Manchester City’s comeback 3-1 win at Brentford on Monday night.
Walker, 33, was visibly furious in the closing minutes of the game at the Gtech Community Stadium and complained to referee Jarred Gillett and fourth official Stuart Attwell.
The full-back and captain was taunted throughout the match in West London following news of his split from wife Annie Kilner after he fathered a second child with Lauryn Goodman.
And a lip reader believes Maupay’s comments related to Walker’s personal life and triggered the angry reaction from the England international.
Jeremy Freeman alleged to the Daily Mail that Walker said: “I’m gonna knock him [Maupay] out.
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Attwell is said to have replied: “Shush.”
But Walker apparently added: “Wait there,” and pointed to the tunnel.
And he then continued: “Ref he spoke about my kids, he spoke about my kids, not once, but twice.”
Maupay – who wound up James Maddison with his darts celebration last week – then seemingly cut in to protest his innocence and claimed: “I didn’t, it’s okay.”
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Freeman reckons ref Gillett then told the rowing pair: “Let’s deal with it at the end,” and added to Maupay: “Now, now, just calm down, listen to me… think about it, think about it.”
Maupay apparently responded: “That’s a lie, that’s not fair, I promise you now.”
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Despite wagging a finger at Maupay in the chaotic scenes, City boss Pep Guardiola refused to talk about the incident, which was not mentioned in Gillett’s match report and therefore will see The FA take no action.
Brentford declined to comment but manager Thomas Frank said last night: “No (I know nothing). I saw they were talking to each other.
“No (I haven’t talked to Maupay). It’s not my first focus after a game that we lost.”
Speaking exclusively to The Sun last month, Walker thanked City boss Guardiola for standing by him.
Walker said: “He didn’t know what was happening.
“I didn’t want to tell him because I didn’t want him to think I wasn’t mentally there.
“I can’t thank him enough for the understanding and belief he’s shown in me through four years.”
‘I TRIED TO ESCAPE’
Walker also eyed a move to Bayern Munich last summer.
He added: “I tried to escape. Did I want to leave City? No, of course I didn’t.
“We’re the best team in the world at the minute. But it was a chance to get away from England and the media I was going to get.
“I was aware the clock was ticking. I came very close to moving. We were having conversations.
“I was going to a great club, a massive club. But in the end I couldn’t go.
“If I’m in Germany and this happens, Annie leaves and I’m now in Germany on my own.
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“My kids wouldn’t be around the corner where I can see them.
“There’s pain and emotion at the moment but I can go to the house, take the kids to school, and my little lad to football.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
