'Sexism isn't banter' - but why no FA action over Foden chants?

The chants could be heard when Foden was substituted in the 57th minute

Anti-discrimination charity Kick It Out says "sexism isn't banter" after derogatory chants about Phil Foden's mother were sung during Sunday's Manchester derby at Old Trafford.

The Football Association, according to its rulebook, will not take action against Manchester United over the chants, which could be heard throughout the first half of the goalless draw and when Manchester City forward Foden was substituted in the 57th minute.

Following the match, City boss Guardiola said those joining in with the chants showed "a lack of class" and "should be ashamed".

Kick It Out chief operating officer Hollie Varney told BBC Sport: "We've seen several incidents of sexist and misogynistic mass chanting in men's football this season, yet too often the response from football falls short.

"Sexism isn't 'banter'. Hearing sexist chants echo around a stadium doesn't just affect the players involved or those directly targeted, it creates an environment where women can feel unsafe or unwelcome."

What do the FA rules say?

Football Association rules do prohibit abusive chanting and discriminatory behaviour from fans.

FA rule E20 states clubs are responsible for ensuring their supporters "refrain from improper conduct", which includes "a reference, whether express or implied to any one or more of the following: ethnic origin, colour, race, nationality, religion or belief, gender, gender reassignment, sexual orientation or disability".

The FA says it investigates all allegations of discriminatory conduct by spectators. Its rules also state a club is "likely" to face disciplinary actions if there is "sufficient evidence of mass discriminatory chanting".

In recent years the FA has cracked down on tragedy chanting and racist and homophobic chanting.

Clubs have been fined, and some fans have been given banning orders and have faced criminal charges.

In 2023 the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) updated its guidance on football-related offences, confirming that tragedy chanting can be prosecuted as a public order offence.

The guidance also includes reference to other hate crimes, such as homophobic or racist chanting or gestures, and pitch incursion.

So why won't the FA act here?

The FA does not currently take action on all offensive chants. It did not charge Millwall after some fans chanted "let him die" at Crystal Palace forward Jean-Philippe Mateta when he was treated for a head injury on the pitch during a fifth-round FA Cup match last month.

The FA condemned those chants but said they did not breach its regulations.

Jamie Vardy's wife Rebekah continues to be the subject of offensive chants following the high-profile 'Wagatha Christie' trial, while Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes was recently the target of insults relating to his appearance.

There is a feeling that if the FA took action every time there was a distasteful song they would be charging a club virtually every game.

Each case is assessed on its own merit, but the perception is the case has to be extreme for an FA charge to be brought as chances of success are slim.

In this instance, it is understood the chants about Foden's mum would be deemed discriminatory according to the FA rulebook if they had been directed at a female player, but as they were aimed at a non-participant in the game the rule does not apply.

Unacceptable - but 'part of the game'?

United declined to comment publicly on the chants but have privately acknowledged they are unacceptable.

Leicester City manager Ruud van Nistelrooy was asked about chants aimed at Vardy's wife during Tuesday's 3-0 home defeat by Newcastle and told the BBC: "It's difficult to control, it is always good to look at the possibilities to get this out of the game."

"Clubs have the power to act," said Varney. "Whether through bans, fines or education, action can and should be taken.

"Without it, the lack of accountability continues to damage trust.

"Our recent research found that 85% of women who had experienced or witnessed sexism in a football setting didn't report it because they didn't think it would make a difference, or they would be listened to."

However, some believe offensive chants are "part of the game".

"It's part of the game unfortunately, it is what it is. I've heard people say things about my kids, my wife, you name it," former Watford striker Troy Deeney said on talkSPORT.

"I take Pep's point, but it's a derby, people are emotional, it's part of football. We shouldn't accept it, but it's been going on since the beginning of time.

"Gianfranco Zola once said to me: 'We're paid to not have feelings'."