Manchester City’s Jack Grealish and Phil Foden are struggling emotionally following disturbing incidents during the recent Manchester derby, which ended in a 0-0 draw at Old Trafford on April 6, 2025. Pep Guardiola, City’s manager, revealed at a press conference on April 11 that both players “don’t feel good” but urged them to “move forward.” Grealish was allegedly slapped by a 20-year-old Manchester United fan as he headed toward the tunnel post-match, leading to an assault charge against the individual. Foden, meanwhile, endured derogatory chants targeting his mother from sections of the United crowd, an act Guardiola called “a lack of class” after the game.
Guardiola framed the incidents as part of a broader societal issue, not isolated to United or football. “It’s a crazy world, right? Everything happens all around, not just in sport,” he said, emphasizing that such behavior reflects a world “not on the right path.” He was clear to separate the actions from the clubs themselves, noting, “It’s not about United, because United is beyond that person.” The Football Association opted not to charge United over the chants, though the club privately condemned them.
For Grealish and Foden, both England internationals, the incidents have taken a toll. Foden, last season’s PFA Players’ Player of the Year, appeared visibly shocked on camera during the match, reacting to the offensive chants. Grealish, who came on as a 74th-minute substitute, faced physical aggression that’s left him shaken. With City facing Crystal Palace today, April 11, Guardiola remains optimistic about his squad’s resilience despite a season plagued by injuries to stars like Erling Haaland and Rodri. He hopes both players can channel their focus back to the pitch, where City sit sixth in the Premier League, fighting for Champions League spots.
