Importance Score: 60 / 100 🔵
Manchester City midfielder Phil Foden was conspicuously absent from the squad against Crystal Palace, a Premier League match played shortly after Manchester United supporters directed offensive chants towards his mother during the recent Manchester derby. This absence follows a week of controversy surrounding the player and fan behavior.
Foden Omission Follows Derby Day Incident
The 24-year-old Phil Foden faced jeers during last week’s goalless Manchester derby. Sections of the home crowd at Old Trafford reportedly directed abusive chants at Claire Rowlands, 44, Foden’s mother, while the player was on the field.
Guardiola Defends Foden Amidst Fan Abuse
Following the game, a vocal Pep Guardiola, the Manchester City manager, strongly defended his player. Guardiola condemned the behavior after Foden endured what has been described as a challenging season for the club.
‘It demonstrates a lack of class,’ Guardiola stated. ‘However, this issue isn’t solely about Manchester United; it reflects a broader societal problem. Public figures in football, including managers, owners, and especially players, are excessively exposed.
‘Frankly, I cannot comprehend the mindset of individuals who target Phil Foden’s mother. It’s a display of lacking integrity and class, and those responsible should feel ashamed.’
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Foden’s Absence Explained: Injury Concerns
Ahead of Saturday’s Premier League fixture against Crystal Palace for the lunchtime kickoff, Foden‘s name was notably missing from the Manchester City team sheet when squads were released 75 minutes before the match commenced.
Injury Sustained in Manchester Derby
Speaking to reporters just prior to the game, Guardiola clarified Foden‘s absence, confirming it was unrelated to the fan chants incident.
He stated, ‘Foden sustained an injury during the Old Trafford match and his recovery has not progressed sufficiently.’
Grealish and Foden Updates Provided Earlier
On Friday, Guardiola had already given an update regarding both Foden and Jack Grealish, the latter of whom was struck by a Manchester United fan post-derby.
‘He isn’t feeling well, but we are moving forward,’ Guardiola explained, referring to the condition of both players.
‘The world is currently experiencing a period of unrest. This issue transcends any single club or footballing department. It extends beyond specific individuals and is a widespread occurrence.’
Foden’s Reaction to Fan Chants
In related news, Foden‘s immediate response to the offensive chants circulated widely across social media platforms.
A video clip appearing on TikTok on Sunday showed Foden responding to the abuse from the Manchester United fans by sarcastically applauding and giving a thumbs-up gesture while positioned within United’s penalty area. He then mockingly gestured for them to continue their chants.
Following the goalless derby, Foden posted a brief three-word message on Instagram: ‘we keep going’.
United Condemns Chants, FA Takes No Action
Manchester United has internally condemned the abusive chants directed at Foden’s mother. However, the Football Association (FA) has decided against pursuing further action against the club regarding the incident.
Rowlands in the Public Eye: Previous Incidents
Claire Rowlands has been subject to media attention in past years. In January 2024, footage emerged of her being handcuffed and escorted from a Welsh nightclub after an altercation involving another patron’s hat.
The nightclub incident at Bentley’s in Towyn, Wales, occurred on September 9, 2023, shortly after Foden appeared as a substitute for England in a Euro 2024 qualifying match.
Court proceedings included a 52-second video depicting Rowlands aggressively confronting responding police officers.
In the video, Rowlands challenged officers, stating: ‘Go on then, what have I done? Do not come into my face unless you have evidence.’
A companion interjected, ‘No, she’s coming home with me’, to which officers replied, ‘She is staying with us for a minute.’
Rowlands was ultimately cleared of assault but received a fine for her behavior after admitting to police: ‘I do not often consume alcohol, but when I do, I overindulge. I become like an animal.’
She explained, ‘I was intoxicated. It was simply meant as lighthearted fun, a bit of banter. I was genuinely surprised to face repercussions for playfully removing someone’s hat. It’s a humorous trick I often perform – knocking off someone’s hat and then replacing it.
‘I had no intention to cause harm or distress, which is evident in the video. It was merely banter that was misinterpreted.’
Fireworks Display and Boxing Match Incident
Rowlands also garnered media attention in late 2023 after neighbors complained about a loud two-hour fireworks display held in the backyard of her Cheshire residence.
Residents of the upscale Prestbury area reported distressed pets and young children due to the ‘display-standard’ fireworks, which commenced without prior notice from Rowlands and continued from 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM on a weekday evening in November.
In 2022, Rowlands was also assaulted backstage at a boxing event featuring Amir Khan against Kell Brook, which she attended with Foden.
Social media footage captured an assailant striking Foden‘s mother backstage after the City player was reportedly harassed and verbally abused in a corridor at Manchester’s AO Arena.
Foden was subjected to a barrage of insults, including a homophobic slur, before being escorted back to his family’s private lounge.
The situation escalated, culminating in Rowlands being struck in the face. Another member of Foden‘s group reportedly brandished a fire extinguisher in an attempt to defend the player and his mother.
Parental Support in Foden’s Career
Phil Foden often acknowledges the significant role his mother and father played in his successful football career, from his early breakthrough as a teenager to his development under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City.
Towards the end of 2017, shortly after Foden established himself within the Manchester City first team, the young midfielder expressed gratitude to his mother Claire and his Manchester United-supporting father, Phil Foden Sr., for their unwavering support throughout his footballing journey.
‘Family,’ read the heartfelt message on Instagram. ‘Thank you to my mum and Dad who have made all of this possible.’