Leeds United have called on supporters to respect a scheduled pause in play during Sunday’s FA Cup fifth-round match against Norwich City, allowing players observing Ramadan to break their fast. The appeal follows boos directed at players during last weekend’s home defeat to Manchester City.

Forward Joel Piroe, who is Muslim, is expected to feature in Sunday’s game.

In a statement on Friday, the club said:
“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 their fast.”

They added:
“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.”

Leeds also explained the circumstances that may have contributed to the reaction against players during the Manchester City match, noting that messages displayed on the big screen about the Ramadan break were not visible to roughly a quarter of the stadium.

“This was the first time a match at Elland Road has been stopped to allow players observing Ramadan to break their fast,” the club said. “In hindsight, we should have communicated this more clearly ahead of the Manchester City fixture. Some supporters were not aware this would take place.”