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Guardiola Defends Muslim Players Against Fan Criticism

Published March 1, 2026, 14:08
Guardiola Defends Muslim Players Against Fan Criticism

Pep Guardiola strongly criticized the behavior of some Leeds fans who booed the interruption of the match against Manchester City to allow Muslim players to break their fast during Ramadan. Guardiola emphasized that this interruption is a protocol that has been in place for years, aiming to make the game welcoming for Muslim players and communities. He condemned the lack of respect for religious diversity and stressed that football still has a long way to go in terms of education and acceptance. The Spanish coach defended the players' right to take a short break to break their fast, describing the issue as unjustified.