Neal Maupay has addressed the recent altercation with Kyle Walker, shedding light on the incident that stirred controversy earlier this month.
Known for his on-field antics, Maupay, often seen as one of the Premier League’s top provocateurs, found himself in a heated exchange with Manchester City’s Kyle Walker during a match against Brentford.
The clash unfolded during City’s 3-1 comeback victory at the Gtech Community Stadium, leaving Walker visibly agitated and prompting him to voice his grievances to match officials.
While the specifics of the confrontation remained undisclosed by both parties and their respective managers, a lip reader reportedly revealed that Walker accused Maupay of making derogatory remarks about his children.
This allegation emerged amidst ongoing jeers from Brentford supporters directed at Walker, following revelations about his personal life involving infidelity and undisclosed paternity.
In response, Maupay refuted the accusation in an interview with The Times, stating, “I didn’t think I should have to defend myself for something I didn’t do.” The 27-year-old clarified that he never made such comments, emphasizing, “The people who know me, they know I wouldn’t say something like that.”
Pressed on the matter, Maupay opted not to divulge the exact nature of his remarks but hinted that they were light-hearted, suggesting, “If you read my lips properly and find out, everyone would laugh.”
Acknowledging his reputation as a provocateur, Maupay explained his approach on the pitch, saying, “I’m just having fun and, on the pitch, I’m trying to do everything to win.” While he admitted to employing psychological tactics to unsettle opponents, he maintained that he never crossed certain boundaries, particularly regarding personal matters.
Maupay expressed his detachment from public opinion, recognizing the dichotomy between on-field behavior and real-life character. Despite the scrutiny, he remained steadfast in his approach, concluding, “You could be the nicest player in the world and people would still find a way to hate on you, so I’m just going to keep being me.”
