Pep Guardiola issues message to Leeds fans after ‘booing’ Ramadan pause during Manchester City clash | OneFootball

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has issued a direct response to Leeds fans, who seemed to issue widespread booing during the first-half of their 0-1 defeat on Saturday.

The moment came during a brief pause in play at Elland Road, when the contest between Leeds United and Manchester City was stopped to allow Muslim players observing Ramadan to break their fast.

Audible frustration from sections of the home support followed, prompting Pep Guardiola to address the situation directly in his post-match media duties when quizzed on the matter by reporters.

The match itself was a hard-fought encounter settled by a single Antoine Semenyo goal right before half-time, with City – chasing down Arsenal at the summit of the Premier League table – having to withstand an energetic start from the hosts before seizing control.

Speaking to reporters, Guardiola was asked what he thought of Leeds fans seemingly showing their displeasure at the contest with City briefly pausing to allow Muslim players to break their fast for Ramadan.

“It’s the modern world, right? Look what’s happening in the world right now, today, again, right? Respect the religions, respect the diversity – that is the point,” Guardiola insisted.

He continued, “It’s the rule, we didn’t say that, it’s the Premier League who said, ‘OK for the fasting you can be one or two minutes to do that, for the players, do it’.

“It is what it is… unfortunately.”

Offering some insight on his own players’ actions, Guardiola detailed, “They took a little bit of vitamins [in the first-half vs Leeds] because [Rayan] Cherki and [Rayan] Ait-Nouri didn’t eat today.”

The victory was achieved without injured striker Erling Haaland, who was ruled out of the clash after sustaining a minor problem in training earlier in the week, making the result all the more valuable in the context of the title race.

Leeds had opportunities of their own, particularly in the early stages, but were unable to capitalise on their bright opening spell. Pep Guardiola’s side, meanwhile, demonstrated composure and resilience to grind out a narrow win in a challenging environment.

Beyond the football, Pep Guardiola’s comments underlined his stance on inclusion and respect within the modern game, and as the Premier League continues to accommodate players observing Ramadan with agreed pauses in play, City’s manager made clear his belief that such measures are part of a broader commitment to diversity across the sport.