In a tense Manchester derby that ended in a goalless draw, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola took aim at a section of Manchester United fans who directed vulgar chants at his player Phil Foden, particularly targeting his mother, Claire Rowlands. The match, held at Old Trafford on April 6, 2025, was marked by a lack of scoring opportunities and a disappointing performance from both sides, but it was the behavior of some fans that captured the most attention.
Throughout the match, Foden was subjected to derogatory chants, including the offensive phrase, "your mum is a fat s**g." This taunting continued even after Guardiola decided to substitute Foden in the 58th minute, bringing on Jeremie Doku in his place. The England international, who had been a pivotal player in the previous season's derby, struggled to make an impact this time around, managing to create only one chance and failing to hit the target with his shots.
Following the match, Guardiola expressed his outrage over the chants, stating, "Lack of class - but it's not United, it's the people, you know? We are so exposed in 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." His comments highlight the broader issue of fan behavior in football, which has come under scrutiny in recent years.
Guardiola's defense of Foden came amidst a season where the young midfielder has struggled to replicate his previous form. After a career-best campaign last year, where he played a crucial role in City’s title run, Foden has found himself in a challenging situation this season, scoring just seven goals in 25 Premier League appearances. Despite the criticism and the pressure mounting on him, Guardiola remains optimistic about Foden's potential. "I see the passion and smile on his face every day in training, and that is what I want," he remarked. "He fought, he had chances, and he shot in the first half, chances that normally the ball is in the net. It happens, but now is not to judge."
The Manchester derby itself was lackluster, with neither team managing to assert dominance. City, currently fifth in the Premier League table, missed an opportunity to climb higher, especially after Chelsea could only manage a draw against Brentford earlier that day. Meanwhile, United finds itself languishing in 13th place, raising concerns among fans about the team's performance this season. Guardiola noted that the struggles are not isolated to Foden, as the entire City squad has not performed at the level they are accustomed to. "When the team is not playing at the level that we had, it looks like everyone is not what they were," he explained.
As the season progresses, the pressure will only increase for both clubs. City, with the FA Cup semi-finals looming and eight league games left, must find a way to regain their form and ensure they qualify for next season's Champions League. Guardiola emphasized the importance of learning from this season’s challenges, stating, "Everyone is going to give everything and learning for the guys who played every single game, how they impacted, and this is what they're going to do."
In the wake of this derby, Guardiola's comments serve as a reminder of the responsibility that fans hold in shaping the atmosphere of matches. While rivalries are an integral part of football, the line between banter and disrespect is one that should not be crossed. As the football community reflects on this incident, it remains to be seen how clubs will address fan behavior moving forward.
Overall, the Manchester derby delivered more talking points off the pitch than on it. Guardiola's passionate defense of Foden and condemnation of the fans' behavior highlights the ongoing struggle within football to balance fierce competition with respect and integrity. As both teams look to salvage their seasons, the focus will undoubtedly shift back to the pitch, where the players will need to rise to the occasion amidst the distractions from the stands.
