Leeds United have called on supporters to show understanding when play is briefly stopped during Sunday’s FA Cup match against Norwich City to allow Muslim players to break their Ramadan fast.
During last weekend’s Premier League fixture against Manchester City at Elland Road, a short pause after sunset enabled players observing Ramadan to take on fluids. However, sections of the crowd reacted by booing when the referee halted the game.
Ahead of their FA Cup fifth-round clash with Norwich, the Yorkshire club have appealed to fans to be respectful when a similar pause occurs.
In a statement, Leeds explained that sunset in the city is scheduled for 5:56pm on Sunday, which is expected to fall around the 75th minute of the match. At that moment, the referee will temporarily stop play to allow players from both teams to drink and take energy supplements in accordance with established match protocols.
The club acknowledged that the reaction during the Manchester City game was disappointing. Leeds also admitted they could have done more beforehand to inform supporters that such a stoppage was planned.
They added that a message displayed on the stadium’s big screen explaining the break was not visible to roughly a quarter of spectators at Elland Road.
Leeds stressed that they strongly condemn any supporters who boo players observing Ramadan and using the agreed protocol to end their fast.
The club concluded by saying that Sunday’s FA Cup tie offers a chance for fans to demonstrate the inclusive values associated with Leeds United and to show that everyone is welcome at Elland Road.
