Kyle Walker reveals the unusual way Man City players are punished for being late

Manchester City defender Kyle Walker has revealed how players are punished in the event they are late.

Timekeeping has been a hot topic in recent times after Jadon Sancho's lateness became a talking point amid his row with manager Erik ten Hag.

Typically, top level clubs have fine systems in place for when players do not adhere to strict rules in place. But at City, if a player is late for a team meeting then they are disciplined in a different way.

In a press conference ahead of the European champions' clash with Red Star Belgrade, Walker said: "Man City don't do fines. If it's arriving ten minutes late for a team meeting, it's paying a meal. If there's anyone to collect it, it's Ruben [Dias] and Rodri..."

Riyad Mahrez infamously had to fork out for entire team meal after getting his timings wrong, as seen in a behind-the-scenes documentary on City's YouTube channel.

But while direct fines aren't so common at City, manager Pep Guardiola did enforce a financial penalty on himself in the 2020/21 season.

Image: Getty

He had vented at Phil Foden over a free-kick in a game against Marseille but after the England international had a go back, Guardiola apologised and fined himself - with the money going into the players' kitty.

Walker, who has signed a new contract at the Etihad Stadium, has been sporting the captaincy in every one of City's games bar one this season following Ilkay Gundogan's departure and will continue to do so.

He is part of a five-man leadership group alongside Kevin De Bruyne, Rodri, Ruben Dias and Bernardo Silva.

Image: Getty

As per The Independent, Walker explained: “The captains’ vote has come in and the five captains that have been chosen that will lead the team for the season and make sure all checks and fines are paid up.

“I don’t think the order really matters but it’s down to myself, Kevin, Rodri, Ruben (Dias) and Bernardo Silva.

"I’ve been very honoured and it’s a privilege to lead this special group of players out.

“I will continue to do that and hopefully lead by example on and off the field to ensure we are collecting the trophies at the end of the season.”

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