Guardiola Slams United Fans For Abusive Chants

Pep Guardiola has condemned the Manchester United fans who targeted Phil Foden with derogatory chants about his mother during the Manchester derby on April 6, 2025. The goalless clash at Old Trafford saw Foden, who played 58 minutes before being substituted, subjected to insults from sections of the home support, including chants that were deemed offensive and lacking class.

Following the match, Guardiola expressed his disgust at the behavior of the fans, stating, "The chants to him? A lack of class. It’s not United, it’s the people. We are so exposed, the people who are now on the screens in football: managers, owners, especially the players. Honestly, I don’t understand the minds of the people, involving Phil’s mum. It’s a lack of class and they should be ashamed." His comments reflect a growing concern about the treatment of players and their families in the world of football.

Foden’s mother, Claire Rowlands, was specifically targeted during the match, with chants labeling her in a derogatory manner. This incident has left Manchester City shocked and outraged, particularly due to the number of fans involved and the frequency of the chants. Guardiola’s strong words have echoed sentiments shared by various figures within the football community, who have condemned such behavior as unacceptable.

Despite the off-field controversy, Guardiola also took the time to defend Foden’s performance, rejecting any notions that the young midfielder is struggling with confidence. "I see every training session, the passion and the smile on his face. This is what I want," Guardiola stated, emphasizing his belief in Foden’s potential to return to form. He noted that the entire team has underperformed this season, saying, "It’s not just one player; it’s all of them. In a long career, you always have seasons when you are not at your best. He will be back."

The result of the match left Manchester City in fifth place in the Premier League standings, just one point behind Chelsea and one ahead of Aston Villa. Guardiola acknowledged that his side was not at their best, stating, "I think we defended really well. They are dangerous, especially when you lose the ball in positions that are not good. We had our chances, but we were not in the right positions to hurt them more than we did." He expressed a desire for his team to improve their attacking fluidity in upcoming matches.

Meanwhile, former United players Gary Neville and Roy Keane were critical of the lackluster performance displayed by both teams. Neville remarked, "The love-in that I'm watching tells you that both teams feel happy with a 0-0. They're going for a roast dinner now," while Keane described the match as a "friendly derby." Their comments highlight the frustration felt by fans and pundits alike regarding the current state of both clubs.

United’s head coach Ruben Amorim responded to the criticism, acknowledging that his team is a work in progress. He stated, "We have so many aspects to improve. Everywhere we need to improve in every aspect, build-up, transition, decisions in the final third. Every player can improve, they are here because they showed something at other clubs. They have the quality." Amorim emphasized the urgency required to turn the season around, admitting that they are in a challenging position.

As City prepares for their next match against Crystal Palace, Guardiola remains focused on the task at hand. He said, "Eight games to go, Crystal Palace next at home, go for it. I’d prefer to have 10 more points or 12 more points, but it is what it is. We fought and we were there. The players gave everything. We should attack with more fluidity." The pressure is on for City to secure a Champions League spot, and every point will be crucial as the season progresses.

In addition to the on-pitch events, the atmosphere at Old Trafford was further charged by protests from Manchester United fans against the club's owners, the Glazers. Over 1,000 fans staged a sit-in protest for more than 30 minutes, expressing their dissatisfaction with ticket price hikes and other issues. Around 500 fans also protested after being informed they must move seats to accommodate a new high-paying tunnel club next season. This unrest reflects the growing discontent among United supporters regarding the management of the club.

As the dust settles on this latest Manchester derby, the focus will shift to how both teams respond in their upcoming fixtures. With tensions high and performances needing improvement, fans will be eagerly watching to see if either side can turn their fortunes around in the final stretch of the season.