Dean Windass comes under-fire for insensitive reply to Kyle Walker on social media

Former Hull City striker Dean Windass has been criticised for appearing to question why Kyle Walker revealed that he had been racially abused last week. The Manchester City defender posted a screenshot of an Instagram direct message containing racist abuse after he played for the reigning Premier League champions in their 2-0 defeat against Juventus last week.

“No one should ever be subject to the sort of vile, racist and threatening abuse I have received since last night’s match,” Walker wrote on Thursday.

“Instagram and the authorities need to stop this happening for the sake of all who are suffering this abuse. It is never acceptable. To our fans, we will continue to work as a team to do better, to improve, and to turn the corner together.”

Walker shared a screenshot of the Instagram story to X. Responding four days after the England international’s post, former striker Dean Windass wrote: “Mate you are [a legend] pal but seriously what are you doing come on the games bad enough.”

The 55-year-old might have been referring to Walker going to ground easily in an attempt to get Rasmus Hojlund sent off during the Manchester derby. The duo went head to head in the first half of the clash at the Etihad Stadium, in which Manchester United dramatically defeated City 2-1.

However, it was pointed out to Windass that sending Walker the message in response to his post about racial abuse was insensitive.

“Probably better tweets to reply to about that Dean?” wrote @tommyuto.

@TDWigan1982 responded: “Not really the time or the place Deano.”

Windass subsequently deleted his reply on Tuesday morning.

Walker was part of the City team which lost Sunday’s Manchester derby. Pep Guardiola’s side went ahead through Josko Gvardiol’s first-half header.

United staged a dramatic comeback, equalising in the 88th minute with Bruno Fernandes scoring a penalty. Amad Diallo, who had won the spot-kick, sensationally struck a stunning winner as the clock ticked into added-time. It was United’s first win at the Etihad Stadium since 2021.

Walker’s actions during the incident with Hojlund were labelled embarrassing by Sky Sports trio Roy Keane, Micah Richards and Gary Neville. Both players were booked after going head to head in the 37th minute, with Hojlund later mocking Walker for going to ground and holding his face.

“Manchester is red, violets are blue, what a brilliant performance, but the oscar goes to you,” Hojlund wrote on Instagram alongside a picture of his clash with Walker.