Guardiola Calls for Respect After Leeds Fans Boo Ramadan Break in Premier League Clash
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has issued a strong statement advocating for religious tolerance and diversity following a controversial incident during Saturday's Premier League match against Leeds United. The game was briefly paused to allow Muslim players to break their fast during Ramadan, a move that was met with boos and offensive chants from a section of Leeds supporters at Elland Road.
Incident at Elland Road
Referee Peter Bankes halted play in the 12th minute to accommodate Rayan Cherki, Rayan Ait-Nouri, and Omar Marmoush, who needed to break their fast at sunset. The players were given approximately one minute on the touchline to consume food and water. Despite a message displayed on stadium screens explaining the situation, some Leeds fans responded with jeers and disrespectful chanting.
Guardiola's Reaction
Speaking after the match, Guardiola expressed disappointment and emphasized the importance of respecting religious practices. 'It's the modern world, right? Look what's happening in the world right now today again, right?' Guardiola stated. 'Respect the religions, respect the diversity, that is the point.'
He clarified that the break was sanctioned by Premier League protocols, saying, 'It's a rule, we didn't say it, the Premier League said it's okay for the fasting you can have one or two minutes, so the players do it. It is what it is, unfortunately.'
Responses from Leeds and Kick It Out
Leeds United assistant manager Edmund Riemer commented on the incident, noting, 'I'm focused on the game so I don't really hear it but disappointed with some supporters that that happened.'
Anti-discrimination organization Kick It Out released a statement condemning the fans' behavior. 'It's massively disappointing that some Leeds United fans booed when Manchester City's players broke their fast during the first half of the match at Elland Road this evening,' the statement read. It highlighted that pausing games for Ramadan has been an agreed protocol for years, aimed at making football more inclusive for Muslim players and communities.
The organization added, 'But as tonight's reaction shows, football still has a long way to go in terms of education and acceptance.'
Broader Context
This incident underscores ongoing challenges in promoting diversity and inclusion within professional sports. The Premier League's protocol for Ramadan breaks is designed to support Muslim athletes during the holy month, but fan reactions like this highlight the need for continued awareness and education efforts across the football community.
Guardiola's remarks serve as a reminder of the importance of tolerance in modern society, particularly in high-profile settings like Premier League matches where diverse cultures intersect.
