Leeds United have issued a statement urging fans to show respect during a planned pause in play in Sunday's FA Cup clash with Norwich City, allowing Muslim players to break their Ramadan fast. The pause is expected around the 75th minute, corresponding to sunset at 5:56pm.
The plea comes after a similar stoppage in last Saturday's Premier League match against Manchester City was met with booing from some Leeds supporters, which the club described as 'disappointing and unexpected'. The incident drew national criticism.
In their statement, the club acknowledged that communication about the City break was not 'proactive' enough and that messaging inside Elland Road was not visible to all. They explicitly condemned any fans who boo players observing Ramadan.
Leeds striker Joel Piroe is among those observing Ramadan and will benefit from the break. The club also referenced wider issues in football, including racism, homophobia, and tragedy chanting, calling them 'stains on the game' that must be eradicated.
The club concluded by stating that Sunday's match is 'an opportunity to show the very best of Leeds United, and that everyone is welcome at Elland Road'.
