Phil Foden’s mum, Claire Rowlands, faced offensive chants from some Manchester United fans during Sunday’s goalless derby at Old Trafford. A section of the home crowd repeatedly shouted, “Phil Foden, your mum is a sg,”** which quickly drew backlash from fans and football officials alike.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola called the chants “a lack of class.” He said, “We are so exposed in football—managers, owners, and especially the players. I don’t understand why anyone would drag Phil’s mum into this. It shows no integrity or respect.”
City officials expressed shock over the frequency and nature of the abuse. Guardiola, visibly upset, waved toward the Stretford End as he walked toward the tunnel. The controversy deepened when video clips surfaced online showing Foden clapping sarcastically and giving a thumbs-up in response to the crowd’s abuse. United fans also shouted “Cheating b****, you know what you are.”**
Foden later responded on Instagram with a calm three-word message: “We keep going,” alongside five match photos. Fans flooded his post with support. One user wrote, “Don’t mind the haters, Phil. Every great person has haters—we keep going.”
As of now, Manchester United has not released any statement about the incident.
Who is Claire Rowlands, Phil Foden’s Mum?
Claire Rowlands, 45, has been a central figure in Foden’s life and football career. She enrolled him in Manchester City’s academy when he was just four years old and has supported him throughout his journey. A mother of five—Phil, Callum, Kenzi, Lois, and Avayah—Claire is known for standing up for her family.
In 2022, Claire made headlines when she intervened during a brawl at a boxing match in Manchester’s AO Arena. The confrontation happened shortly after City’s 3-2 loss to Tottenham. A group of men attaced Foden and his girlfriend, Rebecca Cooke verbally. Rebecca shouted, “Who you calling a c**?” before the couple retreated into a private room.
Moments later, Claire confronted the group. She demanded to know who insulted her son. When one man said, “No one,” she snapped, “Right, then f*** off.” She pushed one man, prompting another to swing at her. Though it’s unclear whether the punch landed, Claire staggered back. Another man quickly stepped in to shield her.
