Pep Guardiola did not hold back after hearing sections of Elland Road boo a brief stoppage for Muslim players observing Ramadan.
Play was halted in the 13th minute at Elland Road with City leading 1-0, following a pre-agreed allowance under Premier League rules for fasting players to take on food and drink.
The pause lasted 78 seconds after sunset, and a stadium message explained the reason for the break. Despite this, fans at the stadium booed the pause for the duration.
Guardiola demands respect after Ramadan stoppage jeered at Elland Road
The Manchester City manager reacted after his side’s 1-0 win over Leeds United featured a pause shortly after sunset so players could break their fast.
His post-match comments made clear he viewed the reaction from some supporters as unacceptable and out of step with the modern game.
“It is a modern world, right? [You see] what is happening in the world today. Respect religion, diversity, that is the point.”
“The Premier League says you can have one or two minutes, you can have for the [fasting] players to do it [break their fast]. It is what it is, unfortunately.”
“We took on a little bit of vitamins because [Rayan] Cherki, [Rayan] Ait-Nouri did not eat today. No more than that. The question is, can they do it or not? What is the problem?”
“For the players, I think it is not new. Both Rayans, Omar and Khusa, it is not the first time for Ramadan, and they know perfectly how to handle it.”
Reaction highlights ongoing debate around faith and football
Guardiola made clear he believes the focus should remain on respecting players observing their faith within agreed competition rules.
“They follow this religious tradition. We have good nutritionists, and they adapt to what the team needs. We cannot adapt the schedule for the Premier League times, and I think they are used to it; they are not young and have been playing for many years during this period.”
The brief pause was permitted under league guidelines and lasted little more than a minute, yet the audible boos ensured it became a talking point beyond the result.
For Guardiola, the issue centred on principle rather than performance, with his comments underlining that fasting breaks are now an established part of the modern Premier League landscape.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
