Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola called for respect after a break for players to break their Ramadan fast was booed by some Leeds United fans.

PEP Guardiola has called for greater respect towards other cultures after a brief pause for his players to break their Ramadan fast was booed during Manchester City’s 1-0 win at Leeds United.

The incident occurred after 12 minutes of play at Elland Road, where a break was taken to allow Muslim players Omar Marmoush, Rayan Ait-Nouri, and Rayan Cherki to take on fluids, with another Muslim player, Abdukodir Khusanov, on the City bench.

The Premier League has in recent years permitted such breaks after sunset during the holy month of Ramadan, when Muslims worldwide fast from dawn until dusk.

Guardiola, who recently spoke out on humanitarian crises in Palestine, Ukraine, and Sudan, described the booing as disappointing in the modern world.

The manager emphasised the importance of respecting religion and diversity, noting the league’s approval for the short break to support fasting players.

Anti-discrimination organisation Kick It Out stated the reaction showed there is still a long way to go in terms of education and acceptance.

In a statement, the group expressed massive disappointment that some fans booed despite an explanation being displayed on the stadium’s big screen.

The incident in Leeds, home to one of Britain’s largest Muslim communities, occurred just a week after police launched investigations into online racist abuse targeting four Premier League footballers.

Chelsea’s Wesley Fofana and Burnley’s Hannibal Mejbri were abused following their clubs’ 1-1 draw on February 21.

Wolves’ Tolu Arokodare and Sunderland’s Romaine Mundle were then targeted 24 hours later after their sides lost Premier League matches.

 The Sun Malaysia