Manchester City manager Josep Guardiola has called for more tolerance and understanding after some Leeds United supporters booed the suspension of play to allow Muslim players to break their Ramadan fast.
The incident occurred during City’s narrow 1-0 win at Elland Road, but the game was stopped in the 13th minute to allow players to celebrate the Holy Month.
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Pep Guardiola talks about Leeds fans booing him for Ramadan fasting
After sunset at around 5:42 p.m., the referee paused the match for 78 seconds to allow City’s players Rayan Ait Nouri, Rayan Cherki and Omar Marmouche to rehydrate and replenish their nutrition.
Despite clear explanatory messages displayed on the stadium’s large screens, jeers could be heard from the home stands.
“This is the modern world, isn’t it?” a frustrated Guardiola told reporters after the match.
“Respect for religion, respect for diversity, that’s the important thing. The Premier League said they could give the players a minute or two to do that, but unfortunately that’s the reality. What’s the problem?”
Guardiola admitted that the break was essential for the health of his players, pointing out that Cherki and Ait Nouri had not eaten all day and needed vitamins and hydration to continue competing at the highest level.
Kick it Out release statement
Anti-discrimination charity Kick It Out released a scathing statement after the match, calling the Elland Road crowd’s reaction “deeply disappointing”.
“It is extremely disappointing that some Leeds United fans booed when Manchester City players broke their fast in the first half of tonight’s game 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. This is an important and visible part of making the game 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 has become very vocal about world issues lately.
The Spaniard’s comments are part of his growing trend of using his platform to address social and humanitarian concerns.
Guardiola has become increasingly vocal in recent weeks, previously hitting back at Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s comments on immigration and speaking passionately about global conflicts such as Palestine, Ukraine and Sudan, leading to speculation about his future at the club.
By demanding “honorable” conduct in stadiums, Guardiola maintains that the Premier League’s strength lies in its global diversity, and continues to position himself as a frontrunner for cultural empathy within the sport.
