Muslim Leeds fans ‘hurt’ by Ramadan booing: ‘Understand the word United’
Play during Saturday’s Premier League match against Manchester City stopped briefly so players at Elland Road could break the fast
A Leeds United group representing Muslim fans has urged other supporters to respect the word “united” in the club name after players observing Ramadan were booed while breaking the fast.
The temporary stoppage of Saturday’s Premier League match against Manchester City occurred in the 13th minute and had been clearly advertised to fans at Elland Road in advance, despite which boos could clearly be heard during the break.
Speaking on behalf of the Deshi Whites group, which he founded, Leeds fan Humayun Islam said he did not blame Leeds United itself, but feels the vocal few who booed during the game should be reminded of the togetherness the whole fanbase has experienced since the club’s return to the Premier League this season.
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“We are hurt,” he said. “We want Leeds United to do the best. And the whole idea is Leeds united — I think it’s really key that we use the word ‘united’ and understand what that means. It’s about bringing people together. It’s about bringing communities together. It’s about respecting people of faith and people of no faith.
“So let’s refer back to the basics of Leeds United, which is really the key.”
Islam, who has Bangladeshi heritage, said he wasn’t surprised that Islamophobia was seeping into the professional game. “What we need to always remember behind that Leeds United shirt, or that Man United shirt, is a human being,” he said. “Let’s even forget about religion. When you show any negativity, it’s kind of an impact on that individual’s mental wellbeing. Look at that individual person.”
Manchester City had three Muslim players — Rayan Cherki, Rayan Ait-Nouri and Omar Marmoush — in their starting line-up, with Abdukodir Khusanov on the bench.
In 2021, an agreement was put in place to allow Muslim players to break their fast during a Premier League match.
This year, Ramadan began on the evening of 17 February and lasts for a month.
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With sunset in the UK ranging from about 5pm to 7pm during this period, the only games that could feature a break in play are 5.30pm kick-offs on Saturdays and 4.30pm kick-offs on Sundays.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has criticised the boos and called for more understanding around the practice. “We took on a little bit of vitamins because [Rayan] Cherki, [Rayan] Ait-Nouri did not eat today,” he said. “It is a modern world, right?” Gesturing at the wider context, he added: “Respect religion, diversity, that is the point.”
Islam and other members of the Deshi Whites have not attended games since the month of observance began, as the match timings conflict with mosque attendance and Iftar.
With Lent and Ramadan coinciding this year, Islam feels there is an opportunity for Muslim and non-Muslim supporters to embrace similarities and also understand differences, but Islam believes the knowledge gap around Ramadan must be bridged.
“It’s about giving up food,” he said. “You’re spending time with family. It’s about giving presents. It’s about coming together. It’s about giving to charity. So if people who booed knew about that, if anything, they’d be clapping or supporting them while they’re fasting.”
