Leeds United have expressed “disappointment” after sections of the Elland Road crowd booed a brief pause in play during Saturday’s 1-0 Premier League defeat to Manchester City.
The stoppage occurred in the 13th minute to allow players, including City’s Rayan Cherki and Rayan Ait-Nouri, to break their fast.
Despite a message on the stadium’s big screen, loud jeers and whistles broke out for the duration of the one-minute break.
The Club acknowledged the incident as “disappointing” and admitted that pre-match communication regarding the pause was “inadequate.”
Daniel Farke, the Leeds manager suggested fans may have been confused, mistaking the break for a tactical delay rather than a religious observance. “My gut feeling is supporters did not even know what was happening,” he said.
Pep Guardiola, the City boss condemned the reaction, stating: “Respect religion, diversity—that is the point. The Premier League says you can have one or two minutes.”
Leeds have pledged to provide clearer information to fans ahead of Sunday’s FA Cup tie against Norwich to prevent a repeat of the incident.
