Eels slam ‘completely false and unfair’ rumours around rested star
Parramatta has described rumours around Dylan Walker’s resting as “completely false and unfair” after he wasn’t named for the side’s clash against the Rabbitohs.
Walker played off the bench against the Tigers last week but won’t feature this weekend when the Eels meet South Sydney Allianz Stadium.
Dylan Walker. Getty Images
Since the team list was announced, rumours circulated on social media that there were other factors at play for his absence, but the club released a statement from chief executive officer Jim Sarantinos, strongly denying those claims.
“The Parramatta Eels are aware of false rumours and innuendo circulating on social media about one of our players, Dylan Walker,” the statement read.
“The claims are completely false and unfair on Dylan and his family.
“We should never be in a situation where a player has to defend himself against baseless online speculation. Everyone needs to understand how reckless and irresponsible this conduct is, and the real impact it has on people.
“We are not going to stand for it. The people spreading this material are not supporters or responsible journalists. Passion for the club and the game is welcome. Defamation, abuse and the deliberate spread of falsehoods are not.
“Dylan and his family have my full support, and the full support of the club and his teammates. We ask the media and the public to put this matter to rest.
“The club will be reviewing its legal options against those responsible for creating and spreading these false rumours.”
Walker’s teammate Brian Kelly also defended the utility and criticised how the rumours had me their way online.
“There are people out there that put out false stories to try and get a bit of attention ... I think it’s BS how people can throw out stories, and it gets a hook like today we’re getting questions about it which I find stupid and a bit silly,” he said.
“Walks is fine, we’re all fine.”
Walker is into his final weeks at the Eels and will join Leeds Rhinos next season.
