Saturday night’s Premier League clash between Leeds United and Manchester City at Elland Road was suspended in the 13th minute.
Leeds vs Man City match was halted at Elland Road for players to break their fast (Image: Getty Images)
Huge jeers echoed around Elland Road as Muslim players stopped to break their fast during Saturday night’s Premier League match between Leeds United and Manchester City.
The game was briefly stopped at the 13th minute and several players headed to the touchline to allow participants to rehydrate during Ramadan. The suspension was scheduled in advance and explained on the stadium scoreboard.
“Tonight’s match will take place during the holy period of Ramadan, so the match has been paused to allow the players to break their fast.” But during the intermission, loud boos rang out during a brief pause in play. Asked about the booing after the match, Leeds assistant Eddie Reamer said: “I don’t really pay attention to what’s going on around the game because I’m so focused on the game, but certainly if there was some booing it would be disappointing to some supporters and we’re trying to learn from that.”
read more: Breaking news: Angry Leeds manager Daniel Farke sent off amid referee’s fury after match against Man Cityread more: Man City evade Erling Haaland’s blow and close the gap on Arsenal as Leeds win – 5 talking points
Kick It Out later released a statement saying: “We are extremely disappointed that some Leeds United fans booed when Manchester City players broke their fast in the first half of tonight’s match at Elland Road. The fact that an explanation was displayed on the large screens inside the stadium made the situation even worse.”
“Pausing games to allow Muslim players to break their fast during Ramadan has been agreed upon protocol for several years. It is an important and visible part of making games welcoming to Muslim players and communities.”
“But as tonight’s reaction shows, football still has a long way to go in terms of education and acceptance.”
Pep Guardiola was recently asked about the effect fasting has on players. He said: “They follow their religious traditions and of course we have excellent nutritionists who cater to the needs of the team.
Follow Man City FB page! Follow the Manchester City Mirror Football Facebook page
“I think they’re used to it. They’re not young and they’re used to playing this time of year for years.”
Asked if that would influence team selection, he added: “No, they are well thought out and know how to deal with these situations.”
Leeds vs Man City match canceled (Image: Getty)
There are a number of Muslim players in the Premier League and former Everton star Abdullahi Doucoure has revealed what it is like observing Ramadan as a professional footballer.
He told the BBC in 2023: “In the Premier League you have the freedom to do what you like. They will never do anything that goes against your beliefs, which is great.”
**Make us your preferred source to ensure the latest sports headlines always appear at the top of your Google searches. **Click here to enable or add us as a preferred source in your Google search settings
“I fast every day. I don’t miss a day. It’s become the norm and it’s very easy for me.
“Training remains the same during Ramadan, but when we go (to an away match) we may have to eat later than others, so the chef prepares the food for us and makes sure everything is in place as it would be at home. We get halal food, so it’s not a problem.”
Sky Sports Premier League and EFL package discounts
£43
£35
sky
Get the deal here
Sky has reduced the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £192 on their bill and offering more than 1,400 live matches from the Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky will broadcast at least 215 live Premier League matches next season, with an increase of up to 100 more.
