KYLE WALKER confronted referee Michael Oliver in the tunnel at half-time of Man City’s clash with Arsenal, it’s alleged.
The incident was a continuation of his furious protests at Arsenal’s equaliser against Manchester City in the Premier League clash.
Riccardo Calafiori cancelled out Erling Haaland’s opener with a stunning left-footed finish from outside the box in the 22nd minute.
Walker and his team-mates fumed at Oliver as they believed the free kick leading up to the goal had been taken quickly after he was pulled out of position to talk with the official.
Sky Sports cameras missed the incident initially, but replays showed Oliver called the England defender over for a chat seconds before Thomas Partey played in Gabriel Martinelli, who teed up Calafiori’s strike.
And according to reports, Walker seemingly reminded the veteran ref of the build-up to the goal during the half-time interval.
Walker’s half-time protestations weren’t picked up by Sky Sports’ cameras but were seen by BBC Sport reporter Simon Stone.
He wrote on X: “Kyle Walker making his point to Michael Oliver in the tunnel at half-time.”
Footie fans sympathised with Walker after seeing replays of Oliver calling him over moments before Calafiori’s wonder strike.
One said: “TV replays have shown Michael Oliver called Kyle Walker over to speak after Arsenal were awarded a free-kick.
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Arsenal ratings vs Man City
TEN-MAN Arsenal came desperately close to beating Man City.
Unfortunately for Mikel Arteta’s men, John Stones popped up in the 98th minute to score an equaliser with the match ending 2-2.
Here’s how the players rated…
DAVID RAYA – 9
Well beaten for Haaland’s opener but continued his impressive start to the season with some super second half stops – notably from Haaland and Gvardiol.
RICARDO CALAFIORI – 8
A full debut the Italian won’t forget. Didn’t get close enough to Savinho for the opening goal but made amends with his stunning long range curler to level it.
GABRIEL – 9
Planted one header over but made no mistake with his second one just before the break to score for the second straight weekend.
WILLIAM SALIBA – 8
Clattered by Haaland early on and lost the Norwegian for City’s goal – but dusted himself down and led the rearguard action for the visitors superbly.
JURRIEN TIMBER – 8
Asked to play an unfamiliar role on the right but did a great job for his boss keeping the livewire Doku quiet – and did fine when Pep changed it around too.
GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 7
Caused Walker plenty of problems in the first half. Played the ball back for Calafiori to score and teed up another great chance for Trossard.
DECLAN RICE – 7
Helped Arsenal work their way back into the game after early onslaught – and protected the back four so well when City were camped on the edge of the box.
THOMAS PARTEY – 7
Quick thinking from free-kick led to equaliser – also involved in the collision with Rodri that changed the course of the game.
BUKAYO SAKA – 6
Always a threat with his corners – not least when Arsenal got their second. Subbed at the break to make way for an extra defender.
LEANDRO TROSSARD – 4
Steered good chance over. Booked for pulling back Savinho then a second yellow for barge on Silva and then delaying the restart. Stupid from the Belgian.
KAI HAVERTZ – 7
Early collision with Rodri and caused a few problems in the first half but then had to focus on helping his 10 man team out defensively.
SUBS
WHITE – 7
(For Saka 46) – Thrown on to shore up the defence at the break – and did exactly that.
KIWIOR – 6
(For Calafiori 74 )– Gave the Italian a rest for the final few minutes and kept it tight.
JESUS – 6
(For Martinelli 87) – Some good pressing against his old team in the closing minutes
LEWIS SKELLY – 6
(For Timber 90) – Good experience for the youngster but was bizarrely booked before even coming on for his debut.
Click here to read more on Arsenal.
“The referee waited momentarily after the conversation, before restarting play, while Kyle Walker was not yet in position when Gabriel Martinelli was on.”
Another said: “Replays showing Michael Oliver called Kyle Walker out for a chat when Arsenal were awarded their free-kick.
“He waited a bit before Arsenal took it but Walker claimed he wasn’t back in position.”
Another remarked: “Replays on Sky Sports clearly showing referee Michael Oliver called Kyle Walker out for a chat when Arsenal were awarded their free-kick.
“Oliver didn’t blow immediately but Walker clearly shown arguing he had not got back into position when the pass was played out to Gabriel Martinelli.
“We have not heard the last of that.
“I suspect Oliver will find out what the Manchester City fans think when he heads to the tunnel at half-time.”
Some might argue Walker was simply too slow to get back into position after speaking to Oliver.
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Things went from bad to worse for City in first-half stoppage time when Gabriel Magalhaes headed the Gunners into the lead.
But Leandro Trossard’s second booking and resulting red card for delaying the restart a few moments later meant they went into the second half against ten men.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
