Calls for Action After Sexist Chants Target Phil Foden's Mother During Manchester Derby

The anti-discrimination charity Kick It Out has sharply criticized sexist chants aimed at Phil Foden’s mother by Manchester United supporters during Sunday’s Manchester derby, reigniting concerns over abusive fan behaviour in football stadiums.

The chants, described by Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola as showing “a lack of class,” echoed around Old Trafford during the first half of the Premier League clash and again when Foden was substituted in the 57th minute. The match itself ended in a goalless draw, but controversy off the pitch has taken centre stage in the aftermath.

Manchester United have not released a public statement, though it is understood the club internally acknowledges the chants were inappropriate.

Hollie Varney, chief operating officer at Kick It Out, stressed the broader impact of such incidents. “Sexism isn’t banter,” she told BBC Sport. “When sexist chants ring out across a stadium, it sends a message that women are not welcome. It’s not just about one individual—it creates a hostile environment for many.”

Despite widespread condemnation, the Football Association (FA) is unlikely to take disciplinary action, as current rules don’t explicitly cover offensive chants directed at individuals not involved in the game. According to FA regulations, behaviour is only considered discriminatory under its E20 and E21 rules if directed at characteristics such as race, gender, or sexual orientation—and typically only when the target is a player, official, or club staff.

This isn’t the first time chants have tested the boundaries of what is punishable. The FA declined to sanction Millwall earlier this year after some fans chanted “let him die” toward Crystal Palace forward Jean-Philippe Mateta as he received treatment for a serious injury. Similarly, other incidents involving abuse toward Rebekah Vardy and Bruno Fernandes have gone unpunished under the current guidelines.

While the FA has increased enforcement against racist, homophobic, and tragedy-related chants in recent years, there is growing pressure to broaden the scope of what is deemed punishable. UEFA, for instance, recently fined Rangers €30,000 over an anti-woke banner and imposed a suspended stadium closure.

Varney emphasized that clubs themselves can take initiative: “They have the tools—bans, fines, education. Action is possible and necessary. Without accountability, fan trust erodes.”

Research from Kick It Out shows that 85% of women who witness or experience sexism in football don’t report it, often because they believe nothing will be done.

_{Featured Image Credit: Instagram / @mancity, Pexels / Jeffry S.S.}