French League game sees Ramadan pause

A French League match between Nantes and Le Havre showed a human moment. In the 74th minute, Nantes goalkeeper, Portuguese Anthony Lopes, fell to the ground, clutching his hamstring, in what at first glance appeared to be a routine injury requiring medical attention. Play was halted for several minutes as the medical staff rushed to the veteran goalkeeper.

But behind this pause, another story was being written.

French League shamed

The French League has regulations prohibiting the suspension of matches for religious reasons, unlike some European competitions that allow a short break at sunset to enable fasting players to break their fast.

In England, for example, the Premier League has adopted a mechanism allowing referees to grant a minute of rest at sunset during Ramadan. In France, however, the situation is different.

As Lopez fell to the ground, the Muslim players on the pitch found those precious moments they had been waiting for. They quickly headed to the touchline, ate dates, and drank water, in a quiet scene tinged with gratitude.

There was no official announcement, no special refereeing decision, just a brief window of opportunity created by the goalkeeper.

After the moment passed, Lopez got up. He showed no signs of injury and didn’t ask to be substituted. He returned to his position under the crossbar, as if nothing had happened.

Solidarity beyond words

Such details might not be recorded in goal reports, but they are etched in the players’ memories.

Lopez’s action – whether spontaneous or deliberate – carried a clear message of solidarity: in football, there is more to it than just competition.

The match ended with Nantes winning 2-0, bringing their points tally to 17. But the most important statistic wasn’t in the standings, but in the 74th minute… when the match was paused, and some players quietly broke their fast.

Between law and spirit

This incident highlights an ongoing debate within French football regarding how to handle fasting players during Ramadan, at a time when other competitions are moving towards flexible solutions that respect the legal framework while also acknowledging religious sensitivities.

Amidst this debate, Lopez’s gesture offered a simple example of humanity: a non-Muslim player giving his teammates a moment they needed, without speeches or slogans.

Sometimes, solidarity doesn’t require an official statement; it’s enough for a goalkeeper to fall, and others to rise up and break their fast.

Featured image via the Canary