Phil Foden: Pundit fumes after Man City issue statement – ‘It’s not right’
Paul Robinson fears players have to be “extremely careful” in public after Man City star Phil Foden was confronted at the Manchester Arena.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Spurs and England goalkeeper claimed footballers lifestyles “have had to change” off the pitch because of camera phones.
Foden was the subject of public abuse at the Manchester Arena when attending a fight between Amir Khan and Kell Brook (19 February).
As reported by the BBC (20 February), Man City issued a statement condemning the actions of those who confronted their player.
The club said they were “shocked and appalled” by the footage that emerged on social media.
When asked by Football Insider for his assessment of the footage, Robinson said:
“Every since camera phones have come into the equation, footballers lifestyles have had to change away from the field. Everything that they do is scrutinised, recorded and picture so you have to be extremely careful.
“At times, people see an opportunity to get themselves five minutes of fame when they see a footballer. It’s not right.
“It is not always the footballers fault and I think this was the case with Foden.”
In a statement, Man City said: “We are shocked and appalled about the nature of the abuse and ensuing assault on one of Phil’s family members,” their statement added.
“We will continue to give Phil and his family all the support and assistance they need.”
In other news, Kieran Maguire has claimed a ‘ferocious’ Man City are ‘lawyered up and ready to go’ after legal threat issued.