Phil Foden and his family attacked backstage at Manchester’s AO Arena

Phil Foden and the Manchester City player’s family were the subject of an abusive attack on Saturday night at Manchester’s AO Arena which has caused shock at his club, after a video of the incident was circulated on social media.

Foden and a woman believed to be his mother, Claire, are shown in the film being hounded in the backstage area of the venue before they and their entourage enter a private box for refuge.

The woman emerges a moment later and, after a scuffle, is seen being hit by a man following which a fight occurs. It is understood that directly before the episode shown in the footage, Foden – who was attending a boxing event headlined by Amir Khan v Kell Brook – had been harassed by a group despite the 21-year-old trying to ignore them.

A City statement said: “The club is aware of a video which has circulated on social media showing Phil Foden and his family being harassed and abused. We are shocked and appalled about the nature of the abuse and ensuing assault on one of Phil’s family members.

“We will continue to give Phil and his family all the support and assistance they need.”

Foden was one of a contingent of City players at Manchester Arena for the Amir Khan-Kell Brook boxing fight, who had attended following their 3-2 loss to Tottenham earlier in the day. The attack occurred after the bout and is understood to have caused Foden and his family and friends particular distress due to their view they were completely blameless.

After making his debut as a 17-year-old in November 2017, Foden has become a key member of Pep Guardiola’s team, winning three Premier League titles, four League Cups, the FA Cup and last season was voted the Professional Footballers’ Association Young Player of the Year.

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