Phil Foden has broken his silence after being targeted by vile chants about his mother during Manchester City’s tense 0-0 draw with Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday.
The 24-year-old England star started for City in the highly anticipated derby, but the biggest talking point wasn’t the lack of goals—it was the shocking abuse hurled from the stands.
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“Lack of Class”: Guardiola Slams Vile Abuse
City manager Pep Guardiola didn’t hold back during his post-match press conference, blasting the offensive chants that rang out during the first half.
“It’s a lack of class. But it’s not United, it’s the people,” Guardiola said. “We are so exposed… 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 went on to defend Foden’s contribution and character, acknowledging that the entire City squad has seen a dip in form this season, not just the young star.
“Phil… he trains with passion and a smile. Maybe last season he was at his peak, the best player in the Premier League. He’ll be back.”
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Foden Breaks Silence – Quiet but Resilient
While Foden didn’t directly respond to the chants, his late-night social media post said enough. At 10:38 PM, he shared three photos from the match with a simple caption:
“We keep going.”
It was a calm but defiant message from the midfielder, who has had a relatively quiet 2024/25 campaign. After a blistering 2023/24 season where he registered 27 goals and 13 assists in 53 appearances — earning him Premier League Player of the Season — Foden hasn’t quite hit those same heights this term.
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A Shameful Episode Overshadowing the Derby
Sunday’s match might have ended in a dull draw, but the headlines were sadly stolen by the appalling behavior of a few in the crowd. The chants targeting Foden’s mother have sparked widespread condemnation, reminding everyone that some lines should never be crossed — not in football, not anywhere.
Fans and pundits alike have since rallied behind Foden, praising his professionalism and calling for stronger action against personal abuse in stadiums.
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One thing’s clear: Phil Foden is choosing to let his football — and not hate — do the talking.
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