Leeds United fans have been criticised after booing players’ Ramadan fast break during the Manchester City game at Elland Road.
Football fans who booed during a break in a game to allow players to break their Ramadan fast have been criticised. The Leeds versus Manchester City game on Saturday night (February 28) was paused in the 11th minute to allow some visiting players break the fast, which is part of the Muslim faith.
During Ramadan, many Muslims fast between the hours of dawn and sunset, abstaining from food and drink as a sign of their dedication to spiritual growth, empathy and closeness to God.
At the game, staged at Leeds' Elland Road ground, referee Peter Bankes paused the game, with fans informed via a message on a big screen. However, as the message was displayed, boos were audible from some home fans. Play resumed, with Manchester City securing a 1-0 win following a 47th-minute goal by Antoine Semenyo - but the booing was a topic of discussion in the aftermath.
Players stand during a pause as observing Muslim players break the Ramadan fast during the Premier League soccer match between Leeds United and Manchester Cityplaceholder image
Players stand during a pause as observing Muslim players break the Ramadan fast during the Premier League soccer match between Leeds United and Manchester City | AP
Sky Blues boss Pep Guardiola and anti-discrimination organisation Kick It Out were among those to address it, with Guardiola saying: “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 later called the fans' reaction "massively disappointing" and said such pauses in play had been in place for several years. A spokesperson said: "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.
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“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. As tonight’s reaction shows, football still has a long way to go in terms of education and acceptance.”
Leeds United declined to comment after the game, 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.”
The Football Association has also been approached for comment.
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