Pep Guardiola has called for people to “respect diversity” after Leeds United fans booed a Premier League-mandated stoppage for Manchester City’s Muslim players to break their fast.
Jeers and whistles rang around Elland Road during a short break after sunset that allowed City’s Muslim players (Rayan Cherki, Omar Marmoush, and Rayan Ait-Nouri) to break their fast, having not eaten or drunk during the day as they observe Ramadan — a period kept by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting, communal prayer, reflection, and community. This year, Ramadan began on February 17 and concludes on March 19.
A message was put up on the big screen inside the stadium alerting fans to the reason for the brief stoppage in play, which was signalled after City won a free-kick for a foul on Rodri.
Asked about the boos after City’s 1-0 victory, Guardiola said: “It’s the modern world, right? Look at what happens in the world today.
“You have to respect the beliefs and respect the diversity, that is the point. The Premier League said for the fasting you can (spend) one or two minutes doing that, so the players did it. It is what it is, unfortunately.”
The initiative of introducing a stoppage in play at a natural pause in proceedings — such as a goal kick or throw-in — was introduced by the Premier League and English Football League in 2021.
Guardiola also dismissed the idea that his Muslim players were affected by the boos, with Marmoush, Cherki and Ait-Nouri on the pitch at the time, and Abdukodir Khusanov on the bench.
“Of course, they know it but it’s done,” he said. “They took a little bit of vitamins because Cherki and Ait-Nouri didn’t eat today and drink a little bit and that’s all, no more than that. The question is can they do it or not? Can they take one break for one minute, because the Premier League accepted? What is the problem?”
When asked about the incident Eddie Riemer, Daniel Farke’s assistant, told reporters: “To be fair, I’m probably the guy who doesn’t hear a lot because I’m really focused on the game, but I’ve heard about it. If some of the supporters did it, we will try to learn out of it. Disappointing thing — we will do better next time.”
Kick It Out, a leading UK anti-discrimination charity, condemned the reaction from sections of Elland Road.
“It’s massively disappointing that some Leeds United fans booed when Manchester City’s players broke their fast during the first half of the match at Elland Road this evening. This was compounded by the fact that an explanation was displayed on a big screen inside the stadium.
“Pausing the game to allow Muslim players to break their fast during Ramadan has been an agreed protocol for several years now. It’s an important and visible part of making the game welcoming for Muslim players and communities. But as tonight’s reaction shows, football still has a long way to go in terms of education and acceptance.”
The Athletic have approached Leeds United for comment.
This is not the first time that Guardiola has spoken on social issues. On February 3, the 55-year-old used a news conference to speak out on a range of humanitarian concerns, including calling the killings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti by U.S. federal agents indefensible and again expressing his support for Palestinians.
City’s win reduced Arsenal’s lead at the top of the Premier League table to just two points ahead of the league leaders’ clash with Chelsea at the Emirates on Sunday.