Pep Guardiola Calls for Respect After Fan Booing of Ramadan Swift Break

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has condemned the actions of a section of Leeds United fans who booed during a stoppage in play that allowed Muslim players to break their fast during the Premier League match at Elland Road on Saturday, February 28, 2026. The incident has sparked widespread criticism and a renewed discussion about religious respect and inclusivity in football.

The Incident at Elland Road

The brief pause in the 13th minute of the match coincided with sunset in West Yorkshire, allowing Manchester City players Omar Marmoush, Rayan Aït-Nouri, and Rayan Cherki, who were observing Ramadan, to accept fluids and break their fast. Abdukodir Khusanov, also a Muslim player at City, was on the bench during the pause. Despite messages displayed on stadium screens explaining the reason for the stoppage, some Leeds United supporters responded with audible booing.

Guardiola’s Response

Following the match, which Manchester City won 1-0, Guardiola expressed his disappointment and called for greater respect for religious diversity. “It’s the modern world, right? Seem again at what’s happening in the world today,” Guardiola said, as reported by ESPN here. “You have to respect religion, you have to respect diversity. That’s the key. The Premier League said they could take a minute or two to fast, and the players did that. Unfortunately, this is the reality.” He emphasized that the Premier League had proactively allowed for the brief stoppage to accommodate the players’ religious obligations.

Kick It Out’s Condemnation

Anti-discrimination group Kick It Out also released a statement, labeling the booing as “massively disappointing.” The organization noted that pausing matches to allow Muslim players to break their fast during Ramadan has been an “agreed protocol for several years now.” Kick It Out highlighted the importance of such accommodations in fostering a welcoming environment for Muslim players and communities, while acknowledging that further education is needed to combat prejudice within football.

Leeds United’s Response

With Leeds manager Daniel Farke sent off at the end of the game, assistant manager Edmund Riemer addressed the incident. He expressed his “disappointment” at the reaction of some supporters, as reported by Sky Sports here. Riemer indicated that while focused on the game, the team was aware of and disheartened by the negative response to the Ramadan fast break.

Ramadan and Football

Ramadan is a holy month for Muslims, during which they fast from sunrise to sunset. The Premier League and other football leagues have established protocols to accommodate players observing Ramadan, recognizing the importance of allowing them to fulfill their religious obligations while continuing to compete at the highest level. These protocols typically involve a brief stoppage in play during the second half of matches, coinciding with sunset, to allow fasting players to hydrate and consume food.

Looking Ahead

The incident at Elland Road serves as a reminder of the ongoing require for education and understanding regarding religious diversity within football. While protocols are in place to support Muslim players during Ramadan, the response from some Leeds United fans underscores the importance of continued efforts to promote inclusivity and respect within the sport.