ALBAWABA - The football match between Leeds and Manchester City recently became the talk of social media after some fans booed the Muslim players who were allowed to break their fast during the game.
A large screen in Leeds' Elland Road stadium displayed a statement that read, "As tonight's match takes place in the holy month of Ramadan. Play has been paused briefly to allow players to break their fast."
In response, booes and whistles echoed across the stadium, as many muslims took to social media and accused those who booed of Islamophobia and racism. According to several reports, the pause occurred so that muslim players such as Rayan Aït-Nouri, Rayan Cherki, and Omar Marmoush could break their fast.
Islamophobia? Leeds football fans boo fasting break for Ramadan
During a press conference with reporters, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola confirmed that the Premier League committee agreed to pause the game for one to two minutes so that Muslim players could break their fast. When asked about the booes, Guardiola said, "Respect the religions, respect the diversity. That is the point."
Many football fans took to the players' defense, stating further that halting the match for one to two minutes for players to break their fast isn't a big deal.
A social media user wrote, "Ok... I think all religion is nonsense, but I don't criticize anyone for their faith or beliefs. Here, those observing Ramadan need to break their fast. They are taking on fluids and those energy gels mainly. They have not laid a table to have a meal. Forgetting the religion aspect, these are athletes there for your entertainment."
Another added, "booing players for praying before eating is a new low. whether you agree with it or not, that level of disrespect says more about the fans than the players."
While many football fans took to the players' defense, several others weren't so keen about the pause. An opposing social media user wrote, "Imagine them doing this so Haaland could eat an Easter Egg........."
Another wrote, "Remember that these muslim players are eating a full diner before sunrise and after sunset. So basically they just skipped lunch."
