Pep Guardiola Accuses Manchester United Fans of ‘Lack of Class’ for Chants Targeting Phil Foden

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has criticized a section of Manchester United supporters for displaying a “lack of class” by directing derogatory chants about Phil Foden’s mother towards the player during the teams’ 0-0 draw at Old Trafford on Sunday. Foden, a 24-year-old boyhood City fan from nearby Stockport, was one of only two local players on the pitch alongside City youngster Nico O’Reilly.

Despite his local roots, Foden was subjected to several chants throughout the match, to which he responded by raising a thumbs-up gesture to the United supporters. Guardiola expressed his disappointment with the fans’ behavior, 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.”

The goalless draw means that City remain in fifth place in the Premier League table, occupying the final Champions League qualification spot. They sit just one point clear of Aston Villa, who are set to visit the Etihad on April 22. Meanwhile, seventh-place Newcastle, who have played two fewer games than City, can climb above the reigning champions into fifth place by winning their match against relegation-threatened Leicester City on Monday.

Despite the risk of missing out on Champions League qualification, Guardiola insisted that he is not concerned about the team’s prospects. When asked about his thoughts on finishing in the top five, he responded, “Nothing. All that is important is our next game, against Crystal Palace. We will prepare for the upcoming games. There are a few things I’m happy with what I saw, but now we need to achieve the target of qualifying for Champions League, then next season is next season.”