Pep Guardiola has condemned sections of Leeds United supporters who booed a brief stoppage that allowed Manchester City players observing Ramadan to break their fast during Saturday’s Premier League clash at Elland Road.
The incident occurred in the 13th minute of the first half, with sunset in West Yorkshire prompting referee intervention to temporarily halt proceedings. Under Premier League guidelines, players are permitted a short pause at sunset during Ramadan to take fluids and supplements.
As City’s Muslim players — Omar Marmoush, Rayan Aït-Nouri and Rayan Cherki — went to the touchline to break their fast, boos were audible from parts of the home crowd. Abdukodir Khusanov, another Muslim player in City’s squad, remained on the bench during the pause. A stadium screen message informed spectators: “Play has been paused briefly to allow players to break their fast.”
Speaking after City’s 1-0 victory, Guardiola called for greater understanding and respect.
“It is a modern world, right? Respect religion, diversity — that is the point,” Guardiola said. “The Premier League says you can have one or two minutes for the players to do it. What is the problem?”
Muslims observing the holy month of Ramadan fast daily from sunrise to sunset, refraining from food and drink during daylight hours.
Leeds assistant manager Edmund Riemer, addressing the media in the absence of Daniel Farke who was sent off at full-time, described the reaction as disappointing. “I was focused on the game. Disappointed with some supporters and we learn from it,” he said.
Anti-discrimination body Kick It Out also criticised the jeering, calling it “massively disappointing” and stressing that football still has “a long way to go” in promoting education, inclusion and acceptance.
