Ahead of Norwich clash, Leeds urge fans to respect the Ramadan fast-break

Leeds United have asked supporters to observe the Ramadan fasting break ahead of their FA Cup fifth-round tie against Norwich City on Sunday (8 March). The interval will be used by players observing Ramadan to break their fast, including Leeds striker Joel Piroe. “Leeds United Football Club asks that respect be shown during the FA Cup fifth-round match against Norwich City on Sunday, when the match will be temporarily halted to allow players observing Ramadan to break their fast, including our striker Joel Piroe,” the club said on its official website cited on Saturday. The request comes after boos from some Leeds supporters during a similar stoppage at the home match against Manchester City last weekend. In the tie against Norwich, Leeds’ Muslim forward Joel Piroe is expected to feature. In the statement, Leeds United condemned the booing and urged supporters to show their best conduct. Leeds also explained several factors believed to contribute to the booing during the Manchester City game. According to the club, the message explaining the reasons for the break displayed on the stadium’s big screen was not seen by about a quarter of the spectators. The club added that the match at Elland Road was the first time the game had been halted to allow players observing Ramadan to break their fast. “In our assessment, we should have communicated this more clearly before the Manchester City match. Some supporters did not know that the break would occur,” Leeds United said.