Leeds United release statement after Ramadan break controversy vs Man City and ask for 'respect'

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Leeds United have informed fans that there will be another pause in play during Sunday's FA Cup match with Norwich City to allow players observing Ramadan to break their fast.

This follows last Saturday's match with Manchester City , which was halted for the same reason, during which there was 'disappointing and unexpected' booing from some Leeds supporters. The incident garnered national attention and resulted in criticism of the club and its fans.

In the statement, Leeds conceded that their communication around the City break had not been 'proactive' enough and also mentioned issues with messaging inside Elland Road not being visible to everyone.

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However, the dominant message is a plea for respect and to condemn 'stains on the game'.

The statement reads: " Leeds United Football Club are asking for respect to be shown during this Sunday's FA Cup fifth round tie with Norwich City, when play will be paused to allow players observing Ramadan to break their fast, including our own striker, Joel Piroe.

"At an appropriate time following sunset in Leeds at 5:56pm, which will be around the 75th minute of our clash with the Canaries, the referee will call a halt to proceedings for a brief period allowing players from both sides to take on fluids and energy supplements in line with agreed protocol.

"A pause also took place during our Premier League fixture with Manchester City last weekend, which led to booing from some supporters which was disappointing and unexpected.

"Having taken time to reflect, there were also several mitigating circumstances which led to this. To be clear, Leeds United Football Club explicitly condemn any supporters in the home or away sections who actively boo players observing Ramadan and use the protocol in place to break their fast.

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"We would like to thank everyone who has taken time in recent days to get in touch with us and provide feedback, including our Supporter Advisory Board, in order for us to understand exactly why this situation arose against Manchester City and the lessons which can be learnt moving forwards.

"Football still has a long way to go in eradicating stains on the game, including racism, homophobia, tragedy chanting and the sickening Jimmy Saville taunts our own supporters are subjected to at every match from opposition fans.

"As a club, we will continue to work to ensure that in time, these issues cease to exist.

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