Chloe Kelly Slammed For 'Unnecessary' Incident Against Former Club Man City

Chloe Kelly has been panned for an "unnecessary" incident on her return to Manchester City on Saturday.

Kelly was back at the Joie Stadium for the first time since leaving the club for Arsenal, first on loan before signing permanently, after a bitter exit.

The 27-year-old, who scored the winning penalty to clinch victory for England's Lionesses at Women's Euro 2025, found herself out of favour at City under Gareth Taylor.

She proceeded to posted a long statement about the "disappointing" situation and said being dictated who she can and can't join was "having a huge impact on her mental health".

The forward secured a loan move to Arsenal and was part of the side which won the Champions League before the move became permanent.

On Sunday, she came off the bench to score an equaliser against her former employers - levelling matters with a deflected strike in the 83rd minute.

Kelly celebrated by cupping her ear to some City fans who had booed her - as well as patting the Arsenal badge.

She wasn't able to have the last laugh, however, as City substitute Iman Beney bagged the winner with her first goal since signing in the summer.

Kelly was seen gesturing to her teammates and then, in the final minutes, she charged into former colleague Leila Ouahabi - giving away a foul but.

But she again patted the the Arsenal crest, with it being suggested that she did so in response to jeers and abuse from City supporters who used to cheer her.

why are you badge tapping after fouling and possibly injuring ur former teammate??? im 😭😭😭 pic.twitter.com/AqdMy5ShWY

— siennawells (@somethingsienna) October 4, 2025

On X, one fan said: "That was just unnecessary, smh".

A second claimed: "Incredible how unlikable she’s become in such a short amount of time."

Another user posted: "All for a bit of s**thousery but this is just weird."

Kelly responds on social media

Kelly has been on active on social media after Arsenal's loss, including replying on X to a City women's fan page with a picture of her and the Champions league trophy after they tweeted, "What's the score, Chloe?".

On Instagram, she sent a message to the Arsenal fans and said, "Thank you travelling Gooners. Not what we wanted but more to come. My club."

She also shared snaps of her with some of her former teammates and wrote, "Always nice to see my girls".