Article by Mihai Șovei – Published Sunday, 01 March 2026, 10:10 / Updated Sunday, 01 March 2026 10:10
A section of supporters at Elland Road reacted negatively when play was stopped to allow Muslim players to break their Ramadan fast. Pep Guardiola, the coach of the “citizens”, sent a strong message, demanding respect for religion and diversity.
Pep Guardiola: “We live in a modern world, don't we?”
The match was stopped in the 13th minute of the match after sunset to give the Muslim players a chance to eat. At the time, despite a clear message displayed on the stadium's big screen, some fans showed their disapproval by booing.
At the end of the game, Pep Guardiola called on football supporters to show “respect for religion and diversity”, looking at the fans' reaction.
“We live in a modern world, don't we? We see what is happening in the world today. Respect religion, diversity, that's the key point. The Premier League allows a one or two minute break for fasting players to do so. Unfortunately, this is the situation,” said Pep Guardiola, according to The Guardian.
They took some vitamins because Rayan Cherki and Rayan Ait-Nouri didn't eat today. Nothing more. The question is, can I do this or not? What is the problem?” continued the Spaniard.
Pep Guardiola, criticism of the fans who booed during the break of the Ramadan fast / Imago Images
Before the match, the Spaniard had spoken about how his students manage the complexities of being professional athletes and practicing Muslims.
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“They respect this religious tradition. We have good nutritionists who adapt the diet to the needs of the team. We can't adapt the schedule of the Premier League matches, but I think they are used to it, they are not young and they have been playing for many years in this period. “For the players, I don't think it is something new. For both Rayan, Omar and Khusa, it is not the first time they observe Ramadan and they know perfectly how to handle the situation.”
Pep Guardiola / Imago Images
Leeds second-team manager Edmund Riemer, who attended the press conference in place of Daniel Farke, sent off after the final whistle for confronting the referee over an alleged stoppage time, also spoke of the fans' reaction.
I'm probably the type of person who doesn't hear much because I'm so focused on the game, but I heard about the incident. Obviously, some of the supporters have done that, so we'll try to learn from that experience. It's disappointing, we have to do better next time.
– Edmund Riemer, Leeds second manager
The result moved Manchester City to within 2 points of leaders Arsenal, while Leeds are in 15th place.
Premier League standings
