PHIL FODEN has been left out of Manchester City’s squad to face Crystal Palace.
And his absence from the squad comes just days after his mum was the subject of vile chants from a section of Manchester United fans during last Sunday’s Manchester derby.
Injury has forced the England international out of this afternoon’s match at the Etihad.
City boss Pep Guardiola told TNT Sports: “He got injured at Old Trafford and didn’t recover well.”
Foden, like most of his City team-mates, has endured a difficult season.
He’s only managed ten goals and six assists in 40 appearances in all competitions this campaign.
And his form was seemingly the catalyst for a minority of Manchester United fans to target his mum, Claire Rowlands, with a disgusting chant.
Guardiola said of the chanting: “It was a lack of class.
“We are so exposed in football — managers, owners and football players especially.
“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.”
Foden wasn’t the only City player abused during the Manchester derby, with one loutish United fan SLAPPING Jack Grealish near the entrance to the Old Trafford tunnel.
[bc_video account_id=”5067014667001″ application_id=”” aspect_ratio=”16:9″ autoplay=”” caption=”‘They should be ashamed’ – Pep Guardiola slams Man Utd fans for sick chants aimed at City ace Phil Foden’s mum” embed=”in-page” experience_id=”” height=”100%” language_detection=”” max_height=”360px” max_width=”640px” min_width=”0px” mute=”” padding_top=”56%” picture_in_picture=”” player_id=”default” playlist_id=”” playsinline=”” sizing=”responsive” video_id=”6371144134112″ video_ids=”” width=”640px”]When asked how the pair have been, Guardiola revealed yesterday: “He doesn’t feel good, but [we] move forward. It happens everywhere.”
The Catalan added: “It’s a crazy world, not just in sport. Nobody is away from that. It’s not about United.
“It’s not a problem about a specific club or department in world football, it happens everywhere.”
Foden seemingly responded to the louts on Instagram, writing, “We keep going” alongside five photos of himself from the match.