Pep Guardiola reacts as Leeds United fans boo Ramadan break

Pep Guardiola reacts as Leeds United fans boo Ramadan break Chris Davie Published February 28, 2026 9:30pm Updated February 28, 2026 9:30pm Share this article via whatsappShare this article via xCopy the link to this article.Link is copiedShare this article via facebook Comment now Comments The Ramadan break was booed by a section of Leeds United fans at Elland Road (AP)

Pep Guardiola insists religions and diversity should be respected after some Leeds United supporters booed the Ramadan break in their Premier League match against Manchester City on Saturday night.

Referee Peter Bankes called halted play in the 12th minute at Elland Road to allow Rayan Cherki, Rayan Ait-Nouri and Omar Marmoush to break their fast at the time of sunset.

The three players were given around a minute to take on food and water on the touchline, but the break was met by boos and offensive chanting from a section of the Leeds supporters.

A message reminding supporters that the players were breaking fast was shown on screens at Elland Road.

Speaking about the reaction from a section of Leeds fans, Guardiola said: ‘It’s the modern world, right? Look what’s happening in the world right now today again, right?

‘Respect the religions, respect the diversity, that is the point.

Pep Guardiola says religions and diversity should be respected (AMA/Getty)

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‘It’s a rule, we didn’t say it, the Premier League said it’s okay for the fasting you can have one or two minutes, so the players do it. It is what it is, unfortunately.’

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Asked about the booing, Leeds assistant manager Edmund Riemer said: ‘I’m focused on the game so I don’t really hear it but disappointed with some supporters that that happened.’

A statement from Kick It Out on the incident read: ‘It’s massively disappointing that some Leeds United fans booed when Manchester City’s players broke their fast during the first half of the match at Elland Road this evening. This was compounded by the fact that an explanation was displayed on a big screen inside the stadium.

‘Pausing the game to allow Muslim players to break their fast during Ramadan has been an agreed protocol for several years now. It’s an important and visible part of making the game welcoming for Muslim players and communities.

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

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