Pep Guardiola criticised fans who jeered during a Ramadan break as Manchester City beat Leeds United 1–0 at Elland Road, after officials paused play briefly to allow Muslim players to break their fast. The moment came near sunset, followed league guidance, and triggered boos from sections of the crowd.
The referee stopped the game for 78 seconds so players could step to the touchline and take on fluids. Stadium screens explained the pause clearly, stating that play had stopped to allow players to break their fast during Ramadan. The reaction from the stands cut through the calm.
Guardiola did not mince his words after the final whistle. “It is a modern world, right?” he said, framing the issue as one of basic understanding. He pushed the point further and demanded perspective.
“What is happening in the world today. Respect religion, diversity, that is the point,” Guardiola said. He reminded everyone that the pause sat firmly within competition rules and common sense.
“The Premier League says you can have one or two minutes,” he added. “You can have for the players to do it.” Guardiola made it clear that the law backs the pause and the game loses nothing by showing humanity.
He also dismissed any sporting impact. “We took on a little bit of vitamins because Rayan Cherki, Rayan Aït-Nouri did not eat today,” he said, brushing aside the idea of advantage. “The question is, can they do it or not? What is the problem?”
From the Leeds side, frustration centred on the reaction rather than the rule. Assistant manager Edmund Riemer called the incident disappointing while speaking to the media in Daniel Farke’s absence. The sentiment echoed Guardiola’s view that football can pause briefly without losing its edge.
