Leeds vs Man City: Booing was heard during Ramadan’s stop at Elland Road

Ramadan – during which Muslims abstain from food and drink from dawn to sunset – began on the evening of February 17 and will continue for a month.

With sunset in the UK ranging from around 17:00 to 19:00 during this period, the only matches that can include a break in play are Saturday’s match at 17:30 and Sunday’s match at 16:30 between Arsenal and Chelsea.

Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola said: “We took a few vitamins because… [Rayan] east, [Rayan] Ait Nouri didn’t eat today.

“It’s a modern world, isn’t it? [You see] What’s happening in the world today. Respect religion and diversity, that’s the point.

“The Premier League says you can have one or two minutes, you can have one minute [fasting] players to do this [break their fast]. This is unfortunately the case.”

Anti-discrimination group Kick It Out said the booing was “deeply disappointing”.

“Pausing the game temporarily to allow Muslim players to break their fast during Ramadan is a protocol that has been agreed upon for several years now,” she added.

“It’s an important and visible part of making the game welcoming to Muslim players and communities.

“But as tonight’s reaction shows, football still has a long way to go in terms of education and acceptance.”

Club captains and match officials find a natural break in the match to allow Muslim players or match officials to break their fast.

In 2021, an agreement was reached to allow Muslim players to break their fast during a Premier League match.

Former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson told BBC Radio 5 Live: “I think it’s a very good thing for the players. We talk about athletes and how polished they are at the moment.”

“Going for a long time without food and drink, it’s very important for them to get that rest.”