In a tremendous show of compassion and regard for Ramadan, players from English soccer teams paused an ongoing match so that their Muslim team members could break their Ramadan fast on time. The players belonged to Crystal Palace and Leicester City Premier League.
As maghrib time approached, during the 35th minute of the match, Crystal Palace’s goalkeeper Vicente Guaita held back from making a goal kick so that the Muslim players on both teams could take a break.
Read more: Footballers in England protest over racism
https://twitter.com/ShanaFraser1/status/1386772697510785031?s=20
This allowed Leicester City’s center-back Wesley Fofana and Palace’s midfielder Cheikhou Kouyate to briefly enjoy some water and energy gel.
Previously, in another match, Leicester City manager Brendan Rodgers took Fofana out of the game at the 60-minute mark to allow him to break his fast. However, this time around, Captains of both the teams pre-decided that they will pause the game in honor of their Muslim team members.
What makes this event even more special is the fact that this is the first time that a Premier League match was paused during Ramadan so that all Muslim players could have a drink.
Read more: Should Muslims fast in Ramadan during Corona?
This act of kindness by Crystal Palace and Leicester City Premier League garnered immense appreciation as it portrayed what sportsmanship is all about. It also serves as a reminder that all faiths and cultures should be respected.
After the game, Fofana took to Twitter to publicly thank Crystal Palace and Leceister City Premier League. In the same tweet, he also thanked goalkeeper Vicente Guaita for pausing the game.
“Just wanted to thank Premier League as well as Crystal Palace, Vicente Guaita, all the Foxes for allowing me to break my fast tonight in the middle of the game,” Fofana said. He further added, “That’s what makes football wonderful.”
Just wanted to thank the @premierleague as well as @CPFC , @vguaita13 all the Foxes for allowing me to break my fast tonight in the middle of the game. That's what makes football wonderful 🙏🏾✊🏾#WF3 #PourEux pic.twitter.com/d56o8A8ZGo
— Wesley Fofana (@Wesley_Fofana3) April 26, 2021
Earlier this month, a video of Turkish footballers breaking their fast during a match also went viral. In the video, the players could be seen huddled together to break their fast with dates and water.
Read more: WATCH: Turkish footballers break fast amid match