Leeds Investigate After Fans Boo Ramadan Fast-Break Pause

Leeds United have said they are examining the circumstances surrounding boos heard during a Ramadan-related pause in Saturday’s fixture at Elland Road, calling the reaction from some supporters “disappointing.”

Play was halted in the 13th minute of the match against Manchester City to allow players who were fasting to take on fluids and supplements. A message displayed on the stadium’s big screen explained the reason for the brief stoppage.

Despite the announcement, sections of the crowd responded with jeers and whistles throughout the minute-long break.

Online reaction was swift, with Leeds’ social media accounts flooded with comments referencing Ramadan and the fans’ conduct. The club has reportedly received emails from supporters unhappy with what they saw as a delayed public response. One message described the incident as “deeply disturbed” and “embarrassed.”

In an email seen by BBC Sport, Leeds’ supporter liaison officer said:

“The club is aware of the incident and it was disappointing that some supporters chose to boo during the pause in play to allow players observing Ramadan to break their fast.

The club is currently looking into why this happened and what can be done moving forward to prevent incidents of a similar nature from happening again in the future.”

Manager Daniel Farke addressed the matter before Tuesday’s Premier League encounter with Sunderland, describing the act as “really disrespectful.”

“To be honest, if it was really disrespectful in these terms because of the break, then you have to say we all have to learn out of this,” he said.

“During the game, it was not my feeling because it was a surprise for everyone that there was this little break.”

The in-stadium message read:

“As tonight’s match takes place inside the holy month of Ramadan, play has been paused briefly to allow players to break their fast.”

Not all spectators could view the screen, and the booing became louder.

City’s starting lineup included Muslim players Rayan Cherki, Rayan Ait-Nouri and Omar Marmoush, while Abdukodir Khusanov was on the bench.

Manager Pep Guardiola criticised the behaviour.

“We took on a little bit of vitamins because [Rayan] Cherki, [Rayan] Ait-Nouri did not eat today.

It is a modern world, right? [You see] what is happening in the world today. Respect religion, diversity, that is the point.

The Premier League says you can have one or two minutes, you can have for the [fasting] players to do it [break their fast]. It is what it is, unfortunately.”

Kick It Out also criticised the reaction, calling it “massively disappointing.” Leeds assistant Eddie Riemer later said the club would reflect, adding: “we try to learn out of it” and “need to do better next time.”

Leeds ultimately lost 1-0, with Antoine Semenyo scoring the decisive first-half goal for City.

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