Leeds United and Norwich City game sends 'perfect message' as Elland Road responds to Ramadan break — YEP 8/3/26
By Graham Smyth
A 'perfect message' from Elland Road has been hailed in
response to another Ramadan break.
Elland Road sent a 'perfect message' during Leeds United's
FA Cup win over Norwich City when players were applauded after breaking their
fast for Ramadan.
It made national headlines when booing was heard during
Leeds United's game against Manchester City after a number of visiting players
came to the touchline to break their fasts.
But Daniel Farke and Leeds later pointed out that many
supporters in the ground were unaware of what was going on, because there was
no messaging from either club prior to the game and it was reminiscent of a
'tactical timeout' taken by City in the previous meeting.
The Whites put out a statement before the Norwich tie asking
fans to respect the breaking of fasts by Norwich players and Leeds attacker
Joel Piroe.
Referee Darren England stopped the game in the second half
as Norwich prepared to make a number of substitutions and both Piroe and a
member of the visiting squad came to the sideline to take on food and water.
Much of Elland Road applauded as they retook their positions
on the field.
Farke, who observed the game from the West Stand due to his
one-match ban for a post-game red card against Man City, says the world can
learn from how football brings people together from different cultures.
"I've said a few things about the last time, I felt no
one was really aware of what was happening, it was not a piece of how we should
live together as human beings," he said.
"There's nothing better than football and a football
pitch to work together with different passports, cultures and religions and all
are united, to go in one direction.
