Leeds United has urged fans to show respect during a planned break for players observing Ramadanahead of Sunday’s FA Cup fifth-round clash against Norwich City at Elland Road.
The announcement follows incidents in last weekend’s Premier League match against Manchester City, where some supporters booed when the game was briefly halted to allow Muslim players to take fluids while fasting.
In a statement, Leeds explained that during the FA Cup game, the referee will pause the match at 5:56 pm, shortly after sunset in Leeds, around the 75th minute, to allow players from both teams to hydrate and consume energy supplements in accordance with agreed protocols.
The club acknowledged that communication ahead of the Manchester City fixture could have been clearer. A big-screen message at Elland Road explaining the pause was reportedly unseen by about 25 percent of the stadium, which contributed to the negative reactions.
Leeds stressed that they “explicitly condemn any supporters in the home or away sections who actively boo players observing Ramadan” and encouraged fans to embrace the pause as a moment to demonstrate inclusivity and respect.
The club added: “On Sunday against Norwich City, there is an opportunity to show the very best of Leeds United, and that everyone is welcome at Elland Road.”
