Play was temporarily halted in the 11th minute at Elland Road
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There were boos from sections of the Leeds crowd during a break for drinks for those observing Ramadan (Ian Hodgson/AP)open image in gallery
There were boos from sections of the Leeds crowd during a break for drinks for those observing Ramadan (Ian Hodgson/AP)
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Leeds United supporters have drawn criticism after some booed a brief halt in play during Saturday’s match against Manchester City, which was called to allow visiting players to break their Ramadan fast.
The temporary stoppage, occurring in the 11th minute, was clearly communicated to fans at Elland Road via a message displayed on the big screen. Despite this, audible boos from sections of the home crowd were heard.
The reaction was subsequently condemned by Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola and anti-discrimination organisation Kick It Out, following City’s 1-0 Premier League victory.
Guardiola said: “It’s the modern world, right? Respect the religion, respect the diversity. That is the point.
“The Premier League said, ‘OK for the fasting, you can be one or two minutes’, so we did that for the players.”
Kick It Out posted a statement on X that read: “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.
Antoine Semenyo scored the only goal on Saturday (Danny Lawson/PA)open image in gallery
Antoine Semenyo scored the only goal on Saturday (Danny Lawson/PA)
“As tonight’s reaction shows, football still has a long way to go in terms of education and acceptance.”
Leeds declined to comment when approached by the Press Association, but assistant manager Eddie Riemer said he was “disappointed” by the incident.
Riemer, who stood in for Daniel Farke at the post-match press conference following the Leeds boss’ late red card, 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.”