Manchester City’s historic achievement of winning the FIFA Club World Cup 2023 was marred by a nasty row between Kyle Walker and Felipe Melo had to be restrained by their team-mates and officials after exchanging words and shoves at the end of the match, which City won 4-0 over Fluminense.
The incident started when Walker, who had been substituted in the second half, approached Melo as he was leaving the pitch. The 32-year-old England international appeared to mock the 40-year-old Brazilian for his age and performance, while Melo responded with some choice insults of his own. The pair then got into a physical altercation, with Walker pushing Melo in the chest and Melo grabbing Walker by the neck.
The situation escalated as other players joined the fray, with City’s Jack Grealish and Fluminense’s Marcelo among those who tried to separate the two. The referee and the security staff also intervened to prevent the scuffle from getting out of hand. After several minutes of tension, Walker and Melo were escorted to their respective dressing rooms, while the rest of the players resumed their post-match rituals.
The clash overshadowed City’s dominant display in the final, which saw them score four goals in the first half and cruise to their first Club World Cup title. Fluminense, who had upset Al Ahly in the semi-final, were no match for the English champions, who became the first European team to win the tournament since Real Madrid in 2018.
Walker and Melo could face disciplinary action from FIFA for their roles in the brawl, which marred the image of the prestigious competition. Both players have a history of controversy and aggression on the pitch, and have been involved in similar incidents in the past. Walker was sent off for a headbutt in a World Cup qualifier against Malta in 2017, while Melo was red-carded for stamping on Arjen Robben in the 2010 World Cup quarter-final against the Netherlands.
The two defenders may have played their last Club World Cup matches, as they are nearing the end of their careers. Walker has hinted at retiring after the 2024 World Cup, while Melo has already announced that he will hang up his boots at the end of the current season. However, their legacy may be tainted by their ugly spat, which overshadowed a historic night for Manchester City and their fans.
