Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola urged for greater understanding and respect after some supporters reacted negatively to a brief stoppage in play that allowed Muslim players to break their fast during Ramadan.
The pause came during the first half as the sun set, with City’s Rayan Cherki, Rayan Ait-Nouri and Omar Marmoush heading towards the touchline. The reason for the break was displayed on the stadium’s big screen, in line with Premier League guidance that permits a short pause for players observing the fast.
Despite that explanation, loud boos were heard from sections of the crowd. The reaction jarred with a moment designed to support religious observance within the modern game.
Guardiola acknowledged the wider context but admitted his frustration.
“It is a modern world, right? [You see] what is happening in the world today,” he said, according to MEN
“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.
“Of course they [the players] know it. 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?'”
Guardiola framed it as part of a broader conversation about inclusion and tolerance, particularly in a sport that prides itself on global reach and multicultural dressing rooms.
City’s players appeared unaffected on the pitch. Shortly after the restart, Cherki and Ait-Nouri combined incisively, their link-up play carving open the opposition defence and leading to the decisive strike from Antoine Semenyo. The goal ultimately secured the points and ensured the visitors would celebrate at full-time.
Farke sent off as Leeds frustration boils over
There was further drama at the final whistle. Daniel Farke, the Leeds head coach, was dismissed after voicing his frustration to the referee regarding the timekeeping at the end of the match.
Six minutes of added time had been indicated, but as City managed possession and ran down the clock, Leeds felt additional seconds should have been played. Farke’s protests resulted in a red card, preventing him from fulfilling his usual media commitments.
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Instead, assistant coach Edmund Riemer stepped forward to address reporters. He was questioned not only about the late flashpoint but also about the earlier reaction from supporters during the Ramadan break.
“I’m probably the guy who doesn’t hear a lot because I’m really focused on the game,” he said.
“But I’ve heard about it. Obviously some of the supporters did it, so we try to learn out of it, it’s disappointing. We need to do better next time.”
Meanwhile, the Premier League’s guidance permitting brief sunset breaks during Ramadan has become an established practice in recent seasons, reflecting the competition’s diverse playing base.
Therefore, Guardiola’s comments underscored the belief that such measures are not special treatment but simple accommodation.
The pause lasted little more than a minute, enough for players to take fluids or supplements before resuming elite-level performance.
