Leeds United supporters have come under criticism after a brief pause in Saturday’s Premier League fixture against Manchester City to allow players to break their Ramadan fast was met with audible boos from sections of the home crowd.

The match at Elland Road was temporarily halted in the 11th minute by referee Peter Bankes. A message displayed on the stadium’s big screen informed supporters that the pause was to enable Muslim players observing Ramadan to take on fluids and nutrition after sunset.

Despite the explanation, some boos could be heard around the ground — a reaction that was later condemned by Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola and anti-discrimination body Kick It Out.

City went on to secure a 1-0 victory, but the post-match discussion centred as much on events in the stands as on the pitch.

Guardiola: “Respect the religion, respect the diversity”

Speaking after the game, Guardiola defended the brief stoppage and stressed the importance of inclusion in modern football.

“It’s the modern world, right? Respect the religion, respect the diversity. That is the point,” the City boss said.

“The Premier League said, ‘OK for the fasting, you can be one or two minutes’, so we did that for the players.”

The Premier League has operated an agreed protocol for several seasons allowing referees to pause matches briefly at sunset during Ramadan, enabling Muslim players to break their fast safely without having to wait until half-time.

Kick It Out condemns reaction

Kick It Out issued a statement on social media expressing disappointment at the crowd reaction.

“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,” the statement read.

“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.

“As tonight’s reaction shows, football still has a long way to go in terms of education and acceptance.”

The organisation has long campaigned for greater inclusivity within English football, particularly around issues of race, religion and discrimination.

Leeds response

Leeds United declined to provide an official club statement when approached. However, assistant manager Eddie Riemer, who faced the media following head coach Daniel Farke’s late red card, expressed disappointment.

“I am focused on the game and don’t really pay attention to what happens around it but, yes, disappointed with some supporters if it happens and we try to learn out of it,” Riemer said.

The The Football Association has also been approached for comment.

A wider conversation in football

The incident has reignited debate about respect and cultural awareness within English football. Ramadan, observed by millions of Muslims worldwide, involves fasting from dawn until sunset. In recent years, football authorities across Europe have implemented measures to accommodate players observing the month, recognising both welfare considerations and the importance of religious inclusion.

Short pauses for fast-breaking have become common practice in the Premier League and are typically conducted swiftly with minimal disruption to the flow of play.

While the majority of supporters at Elland Road did not react negatively, the audible boos from some sections have been widely criticised on social media and by equality groups.

As the game continues to promote diversity and inclusion initiatives, Saturday’s events serve as a reminder that progress remains ongoing — and that education and understanding are still crucial components of football’s evolution.