Richard Keys calls out Leeds fans as he calls for change
Richard Keys says Leeds supporters should be “ashamed” after players were booed while they broke their Ramadan fast during a break in play against Manchester City.
The match, which City won 1-0 at Elland Road on Saturday evening, was briefly halted in the 13th minute to allow players to take on food and water on the touchline.
A message was displayed on the big screen informing the crowd of the reason behind the stoppage, but loud jeers and whistles broke out regardless.
Post-match, City boss Pep Guardiola urged supporters to “respect religion and diversity”, while Keys was also left with a sour taste after the situation.
Anti-discrimination charity criticises booing
Writing in his blog, Keys addressed the booing and issued a passionate plea for change.
“Leeds fans should be ashamed of themselves booing because of the break to allow Muslim players at Elland Road the right to break their Ramadan fast,” said Keys.
“Sadly, we live in such a divisive Trumpian world now these things happen too often. Can’t we be a little more understanding? Embracing?”
While Guardiola declared the reaction was a symptom of a divisive “modern world”, Kick It Out, the anti-discrimination charity, said supporters must show more understanding.
“Pausing the game to allow Muslim players to break their fast during Ramadan has been an agreed protocol for several years now,” the organisation said in a statement.
“It’s an important and visible part of making the game welcoming for Muslim players and communities.
“But as tonight’s reaction shows, football still has a long way to go in terms of education and acceptance.”
However, Daniel Farke said it was unlikely that the boos were directed at the fast break, with others suggesting it was aimed at the tactical chat used by Guardiola in the reverse fixture, too.
How will Leeds respond to controversy?
According to BBC Sport, Leeds’ supporter liaison officer declared the incident “disappointing”.
The club are also said to have privately acknowledged that the communication to supporters ahead of the match against City was inadequate.
Another pause to allow players to break their fast could be held during the second half of the Whites’ FA Cup tie against Norwich City at Elland Road on Sunday.
Leeds are likely to issue information on the break in play beforehand.
First up is Sunderland at Elland Road on Tuesday, in what could be a huge chance to place one foot in survival, with a win taking them nine points above the relegation zone.
Let’s hope the fans gain headlines for all the right reasons this time around, cheering their team on to what could be a huge evening in the Premier League.
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