Kyle Walker branded a 'disgrace to the game' as Man City star is torn apart for 'embarrassing' dive after altercation with Man Utd's Rasmus Hojlund

Walker initially pushed Hojlund during a challenge in the first half of the derby clash at Etihad Stadium, which angered the United forward. He confronted the City star and put his head against the defender's, who then theatrically collapsed to the turf. The referee quickly approached and flashed a yellow card to both players. In the Sky Sports studio, United icon and pundit Roy Keane labelled Walker's actions "embarrassing".

Fans were also quick to call out the England international's theatrics on the pitch as they slammed him on social media.

Adam Catterall wrote on X: "Kyle Walker. That’s embarrassing. Pathetic."

An X handled named Pitch Picks added: "Kyle Walker is a disgrace to the game."

Famous United fan Mark Goldbridge wrote: "Kyle Walker should be sent off for that."

Casey Evans felt the City defender should have been sent off for simulation as their post read: "I’m sorry but I feel like that’s one of those where Kyle Walker should be sent off for trying to get Hojlund sent off because it’s just quite clearly simulation to try and get your opponent a red."

Lee Warren wrote: "Kyle Walker has just embarrassed himself in front of millions. I fucking hate this part of modern football. Disgraceful behaviour across every single club."

Just minutes before the clash between Walker and Hojlund, Josko Gvardiol had put City in front. Kevin De Bruyne took a short free-kick and exchanged a quick pass with Ilkay Gundogan before delivering a deflected cross into the United box for the Croatian defender, who found the back of the net with a clinical header.

Pep Guardiola's City side will take in a trip to Aston Villa in their next Premier League game on December 21, while United are due to face Tottenham in the League Cup quarter-finals on Thursday.