Leeds – Man City: Guardiola condemns boos during Muslim players’ iftar

Guardiola slams boos against Muslim players’ iftar

Guardiola / @x.com/FabrizioRomano

The reaction of some Leeds United supporters has sparked controversy during the match against Manchester City, after boos and whistles rang out when play was briefly paused to allow Muslim players to break their fast during the holy month of Ramadan.

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The match was temporarily stopped at Elland Road at sunset so Manchester City’s Muslim players could break their fast, in accordance with the Premier League protocol established in 2021.

Guardiola calls for respect and tolerance

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola responded to the incident by calling for respect for religious diversity and greater tolerance.

“Stopping play to allow Muslim players to break their fast during Ramadan is a protocol that has been in place for several years. It’s an important gesture that helps make football more inclusive for Muslim players and communities,” he said after the match.

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The Spanish coach nevertheless regretted the reaction from part of the crowd: “But as tonight showed, football still has a long way to go in terms of education and acceptance.”

Guardiola also stressed the importance of respecting beliefs: “This is the modern world, isn’t it? Look at what’s still happening around the world right now! Respecting religions, respecting diversity, that’s what really matters! That’s how it is, unfortunately.”

He concluded with a rhetorical question: “Can they take a break, yes or no? Can they do it? Take a one-minute pause for this? What’s the problem? Is there a problem?! Obviously not.”

Sent off during the game, Leeds United manager Daniel Farke was unable to address the media. Instead, his assistant Edmund Riemer spoke up about the incident.

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“I might be the person who hears this kind of thing the least, because I’m very focused on the match. But I heard what happened. Clearly, some supporters acted this way, and we have to learn from it. It’s disappointing, and we have to do better in the future,” he said.