Leeds United Responds After Guardiola Comments on Ramadan Iftar Break for Muslim Players

Leeds United Responds After Guardiola Comments on Ramadan Iftar Break for Muslim Players
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Leeds United has urged its supporters to respect a planned pause in play during Sunday’s FA Cup fifth-round match against Norwich City to allow fasting Muslim players to break their fast during Ramadan.

The club issued a statement after boos were reportedly heard during a similar pause in its recent league defeat to Manchester City earlier in the week. Leeds said it “explicitly condemns” any fan—whether from the home or away stands—who jeers players observing Ramadan or taking advantage of the protocol that allows them to break their fast during matches.

The Premier League club said the upcoming match offers an opportunity to show the best image of the club and demonstrate that everyone is welcome at Elland Road.

Leeds explained that some fans may have been unaware of the reason for the stoppage during the Manchester City match because roughly a quarter of the stadium could not see the message displayed on the big screen explaining the break. The club noted that it was the first time a match at Elland Road had been paused to allow fasting players to eat.

Following the game, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola commented on the incident, emphasizing the importance of respecting religion and diversity. He said the Premier League allows one or two minutes for Muslim players to break their fast, adding that reactions to the pause show football still has progress to make in terms of education and acceptance.