Piers Morgan questioned Phil Foden’s actions following his post-match interview and criticized the Manchester City star’s behaviour.
Piers Morgan has slammed Phil Foden, accusing the Manchester City midfielder of having a “strange mindset” after he arrived at a post-match interview carrying a banana amid the club’s ongoing financial allegations. An independent commission found City guilty of 114 Premier League financial charges, with the club later contesting the verdict and maintaining its innocence on appeal.
City faced Ipswich Town at the Etihad Stadium in their second home game since the decision was announced. Foden was among the goalscorers in City’s 3-2 win over Tractor Boys.
The 26-year-old arrived for his post-match interview in high spirits, smiling and waving a blow-up banana before answering questions. “I always had one of those when I was at the stadium,” he replied when asked if he had a blown-up banana as a kid.
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“I’ll get a present for my son,” Foden told club media afterwards. “I think he wanted it, now I can give it to him.”
The inflatable bananas have become a symbol of City’s defiance since the verdict. Fans first caught them during last weekend’s Premier League clash with Liverpool at Anfield.
However, Foden’s actions did not go down well with Arsenal fan Morgan, who approached the X to hit back at the midfielder.
“City’s players and fans seem to find their club guilty of the worst fraud in football history. It’s a very strange way of thinking.”
Amid the ongoing accusations, Foden insisted nothing had changed for the players. “It didn’t affect us one bit,” the 26-year-old said.
“We just stayed together, just did what we normally do and took it one game at a time and be ourselves. I think we did a really good job of that.
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“We have great characters and leaders in the dressing room. Nothing has changed. We are just focused and trying to do our best for the fans.”
City face a number of potential penalties, including a hefty fine, points deduction or even expulsion from the Premier League. However, the club continues to maintain its innocence.
The independent commission will determine the appropriate sanctions at the next hearing. City are also likely to face continued criticism from rival supporters following the verdict, with speculation growing over the possibility of relegation if the findings stand.
The football world remains divided on what, if any, punishment would be appropriate for the club.