Pep Guardiola Condemns Fans Booing Ramadan Pause in Leeds Match
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has issued a strong criticism of supporters who audibly booed the temporary stoppage of a Premier League fixture to allow Muslim players to break their Ramadan fast. The incident occurred during Manchester City's 1-0 victory over Leeds United at Elland Road on Saturday 28 February 2026.
Match Paused at Sunset for Religious Observance
The Premier League encounter was briefly halted in the 13th minute precisely at sunset, coinciding with the global observance of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan. During Ramadan, Muslims abstain from eating and drinking during daylight hours. A message displayed on the stadium's big screen confirmed the reason for the pause, which is a permitted procedure introduced in 2021.
Sections of the home support at Elland Road were heard booing the stoppage, an act that Guardiola described as deeply disappointing in a modern, diverse world. The manager emphasised the importance of respecting religious traditions and diversity.
Guardiola's Firm Defence of Player Rights
"It is a modern world, right?" Guardiola stated post-match. "[You see] what is happening in the world today. Respect religion, diversity, that is the point. The Premier League says you can have one or two minutes, you can have for the [fasting] players to do it [break their fast]. It is what it is, unfortunately."
He further explained the practical necessity, noting, "We took on a little bit of vitamins because [Rayan] Cherki, [Rayan] Ait-Nouri did not eat today. No more than that. The question is, can they do it or not? What is the problem?"
Established Procedure for Fasting Players
Since the protocol was first established in 2021, teams with Muslim players have been able to agree with the match referee to find a natural pause in play. This allows those observing Ramadan to consume food or energy gels to replenish themselves. Manchester City had multiple players participating in the fast during the match.
Muslim players Omar Marmoush, Rayan Ait-Nouri, and Rayan Cherki were all part of the starting lineup that secured the narrow victory, keeping pressure on league leaders Arsenal. Abdukodir Khusanov was also observing Ramadan from the substitutes' bench.
Experience and Adaptation of Players
In his pre-match briefing, Guardiola had detailed how the club supports its players during Ramadan. "They follow this religious tradition. We have good nutritionists and they adapt to what the team needs," he explained. "We cannot adapt the schedule for the Premier League [kick-off] times and I think they are used to it – they are not young and have been playing [for] many years during this period."
The manager highlighted the players' experience, stating, "For the players I think it is not new. Both Rayans, Omar and Khusa, it is not the first time for [observing] Ramadan and they know perfectly how to handle it." This underscores the routine nature of such accommodations within top-level football.
The incident has sparked broader discussions about inclusivity and respect in sport, with Guardiola's comments drawing attention to the need for understanding across different cultures and faiths within the global football community.
