Article by Mihai Șovei – Published Friday, February 27, 2026, 12:59 / Updated Friday, February 27, 2026 12:59
An incident occurred on Sunday during the match between Nantes and Le Havre, which the hosts won 2-0. Midway through the game, home goalkeeper Anthony Lopes collapsed to the turf untouched by an opponent as the ball went out from midfield.
The goalkeeper faked an injury to allow his Muslim team-mates to break their Ramadan fast, as such breaks are banned by French football governing bodies.
Anthony Lopes, the goalkeeper of Nantes, gesture for colleagues who observe Ramadan
The rules state that field players requiring medical attention must leave the field for play to continue. However, this rule does not apply to goalkeepers. Thus, while Lopes was receiving treatment for an alleged muscle problem, five of his teammates quickly headed to the side of the field, where they ate and drank water, according to the Daily Mail.
Nantes players as they break their Ramadan fast / photo: X @The_NewArab
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In France, where the rules on religious demonstrations in public spaces are strict, the football governing bodies have not authorized breaks during matches for religious reasons.
After receiving treatment, former Portugal international Lopes slowly stood up, giving his team-mates more time to hydrate and feed themselves before play resumed. The win was crucial for Nantes in their fight to avoid relegation. The club is 17th out of 18 teams, level on points with Auxerre (16th), but is in the relegation zone due to a lower goal difference. The last two places will be relegated directly.
VIDEO OF THE MOMENT:
Portuguese goalkeeper Anthony Lopes pretended to be injured during a Ligue 1 match so his Muslim teammates could break their fast during Ramadan.
Under the current rules of the Ligue de Football Professionnel and the French Football Federation (FFF), Ligue 1 matches are not… pic.twitter.com/F24kmHdCKu
— The New Arab (@The_NewArab) February 25, 2026
Comparison with other championships
Unlike France, in 2021 the Premier League introduced an agreement allowing Muslim players to break their fast during matches after sunset. A year later, a similar approach was adopted in the Bundesliga.
Fasting during the month of Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam, whereby Muslims show their devotion to the religion by abstaining from food and drink throughout the day.
Everton's players as they break their Ramadan fast
