Leeds United release statement after Man City controversy as 'respect' plea issued

Leeds United have issued a statement following controversy in their pause in play against Manchester City last month

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

This follows last month's fixture with Manchester City, which was halted for the same reason, during which there was 'disappointing and unexpected' booing from some Leeds fans. The matter drew national attention and prompted criticism of the club and its supporters.

In the statement, Leeds have acknowledged their communication around the City pause had not been 'proactive' enough, they also included mitigation in messaging inside Elland Road, not being visible to everyone. However, the overriding tone is a call for respect and to condemn 'stains on the game'.

Try MEN Premium NOW for just £1

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 theirfast.

"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. 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. All Leeds aren't we."

FOLLOW OUR MAN CITY FB PAGE! Latest news and analysis via the MEN’s Manchester City Facebook page

City boss Pep Guardiola called for more respect after the incident at Elland Road and said: "It is a modern world, right? [You see] what is happening in the world today.

"Respect religion, diversity, that is the point. The Premier League says you can have one or two minutes, you can have for the [fasting] players to do it [break their fast]. It is what it is, unfortunately.

"Of course they [the players] know it. We took on a little bit of vitamins because [Rayan] Cherki, [Rayan] Ait-Nouri did not eat today. No more than that. The question is, can they do it or not? What is the problem?"