Piers Morgan has criticised Phil Foden, accusing the Manchester City midfielder of having an 'odd mindset' after he arrived at his post-match interview carrying a banana amid the club's ongoing financial charges case. An independent commission found City guilty of 114 Premier League financial charges, with the club subsequently challenging the verdict and maintaining their innocence through an appeal.

City faced Ipswich Town at the Etihad Stadium in their second home game since the verdict was announced. Foden was among the goalscorers, netting the opening goal in City's 3-2 victory over the Tractor Boys.

The 26-year-old arrived for his post-match interview in high spirits, smiling and waving an inflatable banana around before answering questions. "I always had one of these when I was at the stadium," he replied when asked whether he had owned an inflatable banana as a child.

Make sure you never miss the latest Arsenal news and opinion by making Football London one of your Google preferred sources.

"I'm going to get one for my son as a present, I think," Foden then told club media. "I think he wanted one, so I can give him one now."

The inflatable bananas have become a symbol of City's defiance following the verdict. Supporters were first spotted holding them during last weekend's Premier League clash against Liverpool at Anfield.

However, Foden's actions did not go down well with Morgan, an Arsenal fan, who took to X to respond to the midfielder.

"City’s players and fans seem to find the fact their club’s been found guilty of the worst cheating in football history, a real lark. Very odd mindset," he wrote.

Amid the ongoing charges, Foden insisted hasn't changed anything for the players. "It hasn't affected us one bit," the 26-year-old added.

"We've just stuck together, just did what we normally do and focus on the games one by one and just be ourselves. I think we've done that really well.

FOLLOW OUR ARSENAL FB PAGE!Latest Gunners news, analysis and much more via our dedicated Facebook page

"We have great characters and leaders in the changing room. Nothing's changed. We're just fully focused and trying to do the best for the fans that we can."

City face a range of potential punishments, including a substantial fine, points deductions or even expulsion from the Premier League. However, the club continues to maintain its innocence.

The independent commission will determine the appropriate sanctions at a subsequent hearing. City are also likely to face continued criticism from rival supporters following the verdict, with speculation mounting over the possibility of relegation if the findings stand.

The football world remains divided over what punishment, if any, would be appropriate for the club.