Leeds United have issued a formal condemnation of supporters who booed during a scheduled Ramadan fast break in their recent Premier League encounter with Manchester City.
The Yorkshire club described the reaction from sections of the Elland Road crowd as "disappointing and unexpected" following the 78-second pause in the 13th minute of their 1-0 defeat.
The stoppage, which occurred shortly after sunset at approximately 5.42pm, permitted fasting players to consume food and fluids at the touchline.
Despite messaging displayed on stadium screens explaining the break, audible jeering could be heard throughout the ground during the pause in proceedings.
Leeds United supporters inside Elland Road were left furious on Saturday night as play was halted in order for Muslim players to break their fasts during Ramadan | GETTYHowever, the club's statement set out several factors that may have contributed to the unfortunate episode.
Leeds acknowledged this marked the inaugural occasion Elland Road had witnessed such a pause for Ramadan observance.
The club conceded that prior communication with matchgoers had been insufficient, stating: "In hindsight, we should have been more proactive with our communications in advance of the Manchester City fixture to explain to supporters that this was going to happen, there was a clear lack of awareness by some attending the fixture."
Furthermore, approximately a quarter of the stadium, including the South Stand, could not view the explanatory message displayed on screens.
Leeds United call for respect to be shown on Sunday as players break their fast, including striker Joel Piroe
— Leeds United (@LUFC) March 6, 2026
The club also pointed to confusion stemming from recent controversial stoppages in other fixtures.
During Leeds' away match at the Etihad Stadium in November 2025, play was halted for a "tactical timeout" amid an injury break, with both squads gathering on the touchline in similar fashion.
A comparable incident occurred in the Sunderland fixture just days earlier, which also prompted booing from spectators.
The statement noted that broadcast footage clearly showed several players appearing bewildered by the pause, given the match's intense opening exchanges.
This visible uncertainty among those on the pitch may have compounded supporter confusion regarding the nature of the stoppage.
Manchester City players broke their fast in Saturday night's match with Leeds | GETTYLeeds have now issued an appeal for supporters to demonstrate respect during Sunday's FA Cup fifth round clash with Norwich City, when another pause will take place.
The club confirmed that striker Joël Piroe will be among those breaking their fast during the tie at Elland Road.
With sunset in Leeds occurring at 5.56pm, the referee is expected to halt proceedings around the 75th minute to allow participating players from both sides to take on fluids and energy supplements.
The club stated: "On Sunday against Norwich City, there is an opportunity to show the very best of Leeds United, and that everyone is welcome at Elland Road."