Kyle Walker’s actions towards the end of Milan’s 2-1 victory over Como in Serie A have divided opinions in Italy, as some have praised him for his sportsmanship in trying to save former Tottenham teammate Dele Alli from being sent off, while others suggest he should not have let his personal relationships affect his decision making on the pitch.
Milan fought back to claim a 2-1 win over Como in San Siro on Saturday evening, a game which saw Dele Alli sent off in the 91st minute, 10 minutes into his Serie A debut, which was his first competitive match in over two years.
The former England international caught his former international colleague Ruben Loftus-Cheek with his studs on the back of the calf, which originally earned him a yellow before a VAR review resulted in the decision being upgraded to a red.
Realising that Alli was about to be given his marching orders, his former Tottenham teammate and current Milan right-back Walker made a gesture to the referee in an attempt to spare his friend from a sending off.
Should Walker have tried to stop Dele Alli being sent off in Milan 2-1 Como?
Walker’s action earned respect from some. Given the off-pitch battles that Alli has come through over the last few years, it is clear that Walker had attempted to spare his friend from any unwanted attention.
Others, however, suggest that Walker should not have been affected by the fact that Alli is a close friend. La Gazzetta dello Sport proposes the hypothetical question: What would have happened had Alli stayed on the pitch and then scored an injury-time equaliser?
Kyle Walker has no place being at AC Milan. I wouldn’t take him even if he wanted to play for 0€ and came for 0€. He will obviously put his personal relations above the club. Goodbye Kyle!!!
I agree. These are insanely wealthy people and should be expected to act professionally at all times. By definition Walker has proved he’s not really a team personality but an individualist. Thanks for nothing, leave the club.
An action worthy of a big fine. Milan are in huge trouble, and we have a person on the inside trying to protect the opposition. Absolutely ridiculous. Every person wants Ali to be happy off the pitch but during the 90 minutes, it is a battle. We need people to fight fairly for the colours. Either give your all or leave. Milan isn’t a charity.
Don’t blame Walker. This is exactly the level of loyalty the club hierarchy asked for when they threw out Maldini like garbage.
This Igor again??.. no this is the level we all have become in ac Milan. Expect a player to get sent off so we can win the game against Como. Walker won so many titles with Manchester City. They didn’t need so many teams to go down to 10-men to win games. Get your priorities in life straight.