Kick it out blasts FA inaction over sexist chants at Phil Foden during Manchester derby.

Anti-discrimination campaigners have condemned football authorities after sexist chants aimed at Phil Foden’s mother went unpunished during Sunday’s Manchester derby at Old Trafford.

Despite clear footage and audio of the chants circulating on social media, the Football Association has confirmed it will not take action against Manchester United, citing technicalities in its rulebook. The decision has sparked outrage, with campaigners accusing the FA of failing to protect the integrity of the game and the dignity of those affected.

“Sexism isn’t banter,” said Hollie Varney, chief operating officer at Kick It Out. “Hearing sexist chants echo around a stadium doesn’t just affect the players involved or those directly targeted. It creates an environment where women feel unsafe or unwelcome.”

Foden, substituted in the 57th minute of the 0–0 draw, was subjected to chants referencing his mother, which were clearly audible throughout the first half. Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola labelled the behaviour “a lack of class” and said fans who participated “should be ashamed.”

The FA’s current guidelines prohibit discriminatory behaviour and abusive chanting. Rule E20 places responsibility on clubs to ensure supporters refrain from conduct referencing race, gender, sexual orientation, or disability. However, the FA stated that in this case, the chants were not punishable under its rules, as they were directed at a non-participant in the game.

This legalistic stance has prompted fury. Kick It Out argues that the rules are being applied selectively, with officials only stepping in when chanting meets a narrowly defined threshold. Critics argue that by allowing such chants to pass unchallenged, the FA is sending a message that sexism is still tolerated on the terraces.

Varney added: “We’ve seen several incidents of sexist and misogynistic mass chanting in men’s football this season, yet the response often falls short. Clubs have the power to act—through bans, fines, or education—and they should.”

The FA has previously acted on racist and homophobic chanting, as well as “tragedy chanting,” where fans mock rival clubs’ historical disasters. Some fans have received criminal charges and banning orders. But when Millwall fans sang “let him die” at an injured Jean-Philippe Mateta in February, no action followed, as the chants were deemed not to breach FA regulations.

The discrepancy highlights what critics see as a pattern of inconsistency. If similar comments had been made towards a female player, FA rules suggest they may have been deemed discriminatory. Because Foden’s mother isn’t on the pitch, the FA argues, no rule was broken.

Clubs themselves rarely comment publicly. Manchester United have remained silent, though sources suggest they privately acknowledge the chants were “unacceptable.” Former Watford striker Troy Deeney, meanwhile, took a controversial stance. “It’s part of the game, unfortunately,” he said. “We shouldn’t accept it, but it’s been going on since the beginning of time.”

His remarks drew backlash online, with many fans and pundits demanding football shed its outdated attitudes. “If we can punish tragedy chanting and racist abuse, we can punish sexism,” wrote one supporter on X.

For now, it seems the only consequence of the abuse Phil Foden and his family suffered is public condemnation. No fines, no bans, no official censure—just another ugly footnote in football’s long battle with discrimination.