Phil Foden was targeted by a small group of Manchester United fans who sang vile chants about his mother during the Manchester Derby on Sunday, but the FA are reportedly not investigating the incident
The Football Association are aware of vile chants aimed towards Phil Foden by a section of Manchester United supporters during Sunday’s Manchester Derby but won’t take any action because they don’t breach regulations, according to reports. Foden was targeted by a group of fans during the 0-0 draw, who sung songs about his mother Claire Rowlands.
The midfielder played 58 minutes of the game before being subbed off for Jeremy Doku amid his difficult spell that has now seen him go seven games in a row without a goal or assist.
He has had a poor season for City that has seen him score seven and assist two in the Premier League – just over a year since winning the PFA Player of the Year award in 2024.
And some United fans attempted to add insult to injury by chanting about his mother, calling her vile names. In a video that has circulated on TikTok, the chant can be heard, with Foden simply giving a thumbs up in response.
The chants continued as Foden was withdrawn by manager Pep Guardiola, with fans abusing him as he limped off the pitch with an injury.
READ MORE: Man Utd given red card verdict after turning point in Man City clashREAD MORE: Phil Foden issues three-word message after being target of vile Man Utd chants
According to the Daily Mail, the FA are aware of the sickening chants but will not take action against United because it doesn’t breach their rules.
Foden was defended by Guardiola after the Spaniard was informed of the chants and he was far from happy – insisting those guilty of singing the chants “lacked class”.
“It’s a lack of class,” the Spaniard said. “But it’s not United, it’s the people, you know? 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.”
Guardiola also came to Foden’s defence off the back of his poor form, saying the whole squad was struggling amid City’s poor season that has seen them fall to fifth place and only just hanging onto their Champions League spot.
“When the team is not playing at the level that we had, it looks like everyone is not what they were,” the City boss added. “I see the passion and smile on his face every day in training and that is what I want.
“When the team is not playing at the level that we had, it looks like everyone is not what they were,” the Spaniard added. “I see the passion and smile on his face every day in training and that is what I want. You see the numbers of players who have been four, five, six years.
“This year we drop and it’s all of them – that’s why we are struggling to win but the quality is there. He won the Premier League in the last games [last year], in the game against West Ham with two goals. His impact was incredible and he will be back.”
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