Statement released after Ramadan break booed during Leeds United vs Man City clash — Leeds Live 28/2/26
Leeds United played host to Manchester City in the Premier League on Saturday evening, and a chorus of boos were heard around Elland Road as the game was halted in the 13th minute to allow players to hydrate
Aaron Morris Senior Sports Reporter
Kick It Out have released a statement condemning crowd
behaviour at Elland Road on Saturday, as a break allowing players to hydrate
for Ramadan during Leeds United vs Manchester City was booed.
Loud jeers echoed around the stadium as Muslim players
paused 13 minutes into the action between Leeds and City. The interruption was
pre-arranged, with an explanation being shown on the scoreboard inside the
ground which read: "As tonight's match takes place during the holy period
of Ramadan, play has been paused to allow players to break their fast."
However, boos rang out as the brief pause in play took
place. Asked about the situation following the match, Leeds assistant Eddie
Riemer said: "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."
City boss Pep Guardiola also gave his reaction, saying after
the game: "It's the modern world, right? Look what's happening in the
world right now, today, again, right?
"Respect the religions, respect the diversity - that is
the point! It's the rule, we didn't say that, it's the Premier League who said,
'OK for the fasting you can be one or two minutes to do that, for the players,
do it'."
And now, Kick It Out have released their own statement on
matters, citing how the reaction was "massively disappointing."
Taking to X, the organisation wrote: "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."
It comes as City ran out 1-0 winners over Leeds on the
evening, thanks to Antoine Semenyo's decisive strike at the end of the
first-half. However, further drama ensued when Daniel Farke was shown a red
card at full time after confronting match officials.
The German head coach was spotted walking up to Peter Bankes
in angry fashion, pointing and shouting in his direction before the referee
brandished his red card.
Karl Darlow and Ethan Ampadu were also spotted trying to
cool tensions and usher their head coach away from the drama.
After the red card, the Premier League Match Centre X page
wrote: "Daniel Farke was shown a red card for entering the pitch and
confronting the referee after the final whistle."
Speaking about the incident at full-time, Riemer added:
"I just had a short chat with him...There were incidents, they were time
wasting, I think they could have even given a corner for counting down too long
several times.
"There was a yellow card in extra time, six minutes
(added) on, I think it's five seconds to go and then you don't allow to
put...be sensible, let (us) put the last ball in.
"And then of course you are emotional, that's what the
game is all about as well. He runs on the pitch and says 'for what?' and this
is why he gets a sending off. Emotions play a big part in this game. He rarely
gets sent off."
As a result of the sending off, Farke will not be in the
dugout for Tuesday evening's Premier League clash against Sunderland AFC.
