Leeds United Urges Fans to Respect Planned Game Stoppage for Ramadan Break
Leeds United has called on its supporters to respect the scheduled interruption of play during this Sunday’s FA Cup fifth‑round match against Norwich City, allowing Muslim players to break their fast. The appeal follows a series of whistles heard during a similar situation in the defeat to Manchester City last weekend.
Player Involved
Leeds striker Joel Piroe, who is Muslim, is expected to take part in the fixture.
A Strong Condemnation from the Club
In a statement released on Friday, the club said:
“Leeds United explicitly condemns any supporter—whether in the home or away stands—who boos players observing Ramadan or the protocol that enables them to break their fast.”
Communication Gaps Highlighted
The club also clarified the circumstances it believes led to the whistles during the Manchester City match. It explained that roughly one‑quarter of the stadium could not see the explanatory messages displayed on the big screens at the moment of the stoppage.
“It was the first time a match at Elland Road was halted to allow fasting players to eat. In hindsight, we should have announced it more clearly before the Manchester City game. Some supporters simply weren’t aware that this would happen,” the club added.
