Arsenal icon Emmanuel Petit has strongly criticized Manchester United supporters for their abusive chants directed at Manchester City`s Phil Foden during their recent derby match.
During Sunday`s game at Old Trafford, some United fans subjected Foden, 24, to offensive songs about his mother, Claire Rowlands.
Petit, 54, expressed his full support for Foden and condemned the disgusting behavior, demanding serious consequences for those responsible.
The former Arsenal midfielder believes Manchester United should adopt a “zero tolerance” policy and impose lifetime bans on fans who target players` families, including their children.
Speaking to SunSport, Petit, representing William Hill, stated, “Sometimes they chant about your mother, children, or your deceased father. If I were Manchester United, I would be very strict with my own fans. I would implement zero tolerance.”
“If you are identified doing this, with the images and proof available, you should be immediately removed from the game and banned from the stadium.”
“You don`t come back. We don`t need you. We don`t want you in our stadium. You are not the fans we desire.”
“It`s straightforward to take action because cameras are everywhere. We can identify those responsible and take action.”
Petit, having experienced similar abuse himself, including chants about his family and racist remarks during his playing career, understands the impact of such vitriol.
The French legend often sought to respond on the field by playing well and silencing the hecklers, but acknowledged that even that wasn`t always enough to address the underlying issue.
Petit recounted, “When I was a player, I also faced negative comments. They called me names and insulted my family, and I also experienced racism.”
“I always tried to ignore it, to avoid getting emotionally involved, and focused on my game as much as possible.”
“The best response is on the pitch – win the game, shut them up, and leave.”
“However, even after winning and performing well, you still feel angry and think, `What the heck? I remained calm, did my job on the field, won the game, and gave the best possible answer to those idiots.`”
“But then you realize, what happens next? Will they face any consequences? Probably not.”
Petit urged authorities to be “ruthless” and start issuing severe punishments to these “stupid people.”
He supports FIFA and UEFA`s anti-racism campaigns but insists that setting examples is crucial to eradicate this “disease.”
Petit emphasized, “This issue isn`t just at Manchester United; it`s everywhere. FIFA and UEFA must be ruthless, make decisions, and set examples.”
“The organizations responsible for football often don`t take these problems seriously enough.”
“It`s ironic to see UEFA and FIFA promoting anti-racism messages, but are they truly committed? Clubs often protect their fans. They need to be ruthless. It`s a disease, a pity.”
“We`ve been battling this in football for years. Sanctions and fines should be much stricter because stadium cameras make it easy to identify offenders. Action must be taken.”
Referees Must Act
“These foolish individuals feel entitled to act as they please in stadiums.”
“Why spend money on tickets to watch a game only to hurl vile insults about families, loved ones, skin color, or religion? It`s incomprehensible.”
“It`s a disease in football and on social media. Those in charge of the game and social platforms must step up and take responsibility.”
Petit believes referees should take immediate action, even stopping games and sending teams to the dressing rooms if players face such abuse.
“Referees must make decisions. Stop the game immediately upon hearing offensive or racist chants about families. Send a clear message every time. Remove players to the dressing room.”
“Many people hide behind anonymity, so referees must step up and make bold decisions, even if unpopular.”
“Players have also taken initiative, with teams leaving the pitch in response to racist abuse of teammates in recent years. This is a viable solution.”
“However, players shouldn`t bear the primary responsibility for this. They are paid to play football.”
“Those who create and enforce the laws must take charge, and it starts with the referees.”
