"Some of the replies to Kick It Out's statement on a minority of Leeds United supporters booing the Ramadan fasting break during their game against Manchester City claimed that it was because it provided their opponents with a tactical break, which I have to admit that I enjoyed."
"The first thing to say is that the breaks are not new to this season. They were introduced in 2021 to allow Muslim footballers to break their fast at the allotted time. For most of the last five years, it has barely merited a mention because, well, it just happened."
"As for the notion that it breaks up the game - it is the thinnest end of that wedge. The time got added on anyway. The ball was in play for less than 60 minutes in the entire match and there were multiple other stoppages."
"Nor is this the first time that Leeds supporters have been criticised for religious insensitivity. In December 2024, the club condemned fans over their chant for Israeli winger Manor Solomon that included the line 'He hates Palestine.'"
Leeds United supporters booed during a brief pause to allow Muslim players to break their Ramadan fast during a match against Manchester City. While some defended the boos as tactical concerns, critics noted the breaks have existed since 2021 without controversy and add minimal disruption since time is added back. The incident reflects religious insensitivity, with detractors dismissing it as "woke nonsense" or claiming players should manage full matches. This is not the first time Leeds supporters faced criticism for religious insensitivity; in December 2024, the club condemned fans for a chant about Israeli player Manor Solomon containing anti-Palestinian sentiment. The controversy highlights underlying prejudice rather than legitimate sporting concerns.
Read at The i Paper
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