Phil Foden endured a difficult Manchester derby on Sunday as the England international was subjected to “classless” chants about his mother from the home fans at Old Trafford.
Pep Guardiola said Manchester United should be “ashamed” and accused them of a “lack of class” following the derogatory songs aimed at the 24-year-old Manchester City forward, who was taken off before the hour in the 0-0 stalemate.
Footage on social media appeared to show Foden responding to the chants during the derby and he reacted by raising his thumb to the goading United fans at Old Trafford and applauding sarcastically.
Foden is a boyhood City supporter from Stockport and was one of only two local players - along with Nico O’Reilly - to start Sunday’s Manchester derby. He was hugged by manager Guardiola after he was replaced following a quiet performance.
And Guardiola said the songs directed towards Foden reflected a wider issue in the modern game, with Manchester City said to be privately shocked by the chants and how many home supporters joined in with them during the 0-0 draw.
“Lack of class. But it's not United, it's the people, you know?” Guardiola said. “We are so exposed, people who are on the screen in world football - managers, owners, and football players especially.
“Honestly, I don't understand the mind of the people involving the mum of Phil, it's a lack of integrity, class, and they should be ashamed.”
It’s not the first time Foden and his family have been targeted, with the Man City star abused and attacked when attending the fight between Amir Khan and Kell Brook at Manchester’s AO Arena with his mother in 2022.
Foden’s mother was in the headlines in January 2024 when she appeared in court and was fined for swearing at Police following a night out in Conwy, Wales the previous September. She was found not guilty of an additional charge of assault.
Foden is the reigning PFA Player of the Year but has struggled this season amid a wider dip from City, who could fall to sixth place in the Premier League table if Newcastle beat Leicester on Monday night.
Foden scored 19 goals in the Premier League last season but has ...
