Leeds United played host to Manchester City in the Premier League on Saturday evening, and a chorus of boos were heard around Elland Road as the game was halted in the 13th minute to allow players to hydrate
Aaron Morris Senior Sports Reporter
21:31, 28 Feb 2026Updated 21:37, 28 Feb 2026
A sign explaining the Ramadan hydration break is shown
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Leeds United vs Manchester City was briefly put on hold(Image: Getty Images)
Kick It Out have released a statement condemning crowd behaviour at Elland Road on Saturday, as a break allowing players to hydrate for Ramadan was booed.
Loud jeers echoed around the stadium as Muslim players paused 13 minutes into the action between Leeds United and Manchester City. The interruption was pre-arranged, with an explanation being shown on the scoreboard inside the ground which read: "As tonight's match takes place during the holy period of Ramadan, play has been paused to allow players to break their fast."
However, boos rang out as the brief pause in play took place in a shocking state of affairs. Asked about the situation following the match, Leeds assistant Eddie Riemer said: "I am focused on the game and don't really pay attention to what happens around it but, yes, disappointed with some supporters if it happens and we try to learn out of it."
And now, Kick It Out have released their own statement on matters, citing how the reaction was "massively disappointing." Taking to X, the organisation wrote: "It’s massively disappointing that some Leeds United fans booed when Manchester City’s players broke their fast during the first half of the match at Elland Road this evening.
"This was compounded by the fact that an explanation was displayed on a big screen inside the stadium. Pausing the game to allow Muslim players to break their fast during Ramadan has been an agreed protocol for several years now.
"It’s an important and visible part of making the game welcoming for Muslim players and communities. But as tonight’s reaction shows, football still has a long way to go in terms of education and acceptance."
It comes as Manchester City ran out 1-0 winners over Leeds on the evening, thanks to Antoine Semenyo's decisive strike at the end of the first-half. However, further drama ensued when Daniel Farke was shown a red card at full time after confronting match officials.
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The German head coach was spotted walking up to Peter Bankes in angry fashion, pointing and shouting in his direction before the referee brandished his red card.
Karl Darlow and Ethan Ampadu were also spotted trying to cool tensions and usher their head coach away from the drama.
After the red card, the Premier League Match Centre X page wrote: "Daniel Farke was shown a red card for entering the pitch and confronting the referee after the final whistle."
Speaking about the incident at full-time, Riemer added: "I just had a short chat with him...There were incidents, they were time wasting, I think they could have even given a corner for counting down too long several times.
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"There was a yellow card in extra time, six minutes (added) on, I think it's five seconds to go and then you don't allow to put...be sensible, let (us) put the last ball in.
"And then of course you are emotional, that's what the game is all about as well. He runs on the pitch and says 'for what?' and this is why he gets a sending off. Emotions play a big part in this game. He rarely gets sent off."
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As a result of the sending off, Farke will not be in the dugout for Tuesday evening's Premier League clash against Sunderland AFC.
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