Leeds fans BOO as Man City clash is briefly halted to allow Pep Guardiola’s Muslim stars to break their Ramadan fast
Leeds United supporters jeered en masse as three Manchester City players observed the Islamic holy month of Ramadan.
Referee Peter Bankes called a stoppage in play in the 12th minute, allowing Rayan Ait-Nouri, Rayan Cherki and Omar Marmoush to break their fast at the time of sunset.
The trio could take on food and water on the touchline, with both teams heading over to their respective benches for around a minute.
That was met by a chorus of persistent boos and offensive chanting from home fans until the match restarted.
A message relaying that players were breaking fast was beamed onto Elland Road’s screens at the same time as the dissent.
City requested the introduction of a break on Friday, which Leeds accommodated and confirmed 24 hours ahead of the meeting.
Leeds United supporters jeered en masse as three Manchester City players observed the Islamic holy month of Ramadan during their clash at Elland Road on Saturday
After the game was paused in the 12th minute, City stars Omar Marmoush (pictured), Rayan Ait-Nouri and Ryan Cherki all took on food and water on the touchline
The break in play lasted for around a minute as Pep Guardiola relayed instructions to his team
Daniel Farke’s starting XI did not include any Muslim players.
Ramadan will end next month, with a break in fasting expected during the FA Cup clash between Wrexham and Chelsea in next week’s 5:45pm kick off.
City travel to Newcastle United in the 8pm slot that day and their Muslim stars, including Abdukodir Khusanov, will have been able to take on food and water beforehand.
‘They follow this religious tradition,’ Guardiola said on the eve of the Leeds trip. ‘We have good nutritionists and they adapt to what the team needs.
‘We cannot adapt the schedule for the Premier League [kick-off] times and I think they are used to it – they are not young and have been playing [for] many years during this period.
‘For the players I think it is not new. Both Rayans, Omar and Khusa, it is not the first time for [observing] Ramadan and they know perfectly how to handle it.’
