DUBAI: England’s top-flight referees have been asked to stop night matches of English Premier League to allow Muslim players to break their fast in the holy month of Ramadan, that begins on Thursday in the United Kingdom.
Muslim footballers who observe fasting in the holy month, like Riyad Mahrez of Manchester City, Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah and Chelsea’s Kalidou Koulibaly, along with many others, will be permitted short recesses to break their fast in the played after sunset, The Daily Mail reported.
Referees officiating England’s top four divisions have been asked to pause night games to allow fasting players to take on liquids, supplements and energy gels, said Sky Sports. Match officials are reported to have been asked to wait for a natural stoppage in the game, such as a free kick or a corner, before halting the match.
Media reports said that the clubs have also been told to agree on the stoppage time with the referee before the start of the game. Premier League games have been paused before for the same reason, and in April last year, Southampton’s match against Burnley was stopped so Yan Valery and Mohamed Elyounoussi could break their fast.
Wesley Fofana was granted a short break to break his fast when Leicester played Crystal Palace in April 2021. Fofana took to his social media after the match to say “that’s what makes football wonderful,” after the cooperation of players and officials.
Clubs previously had to request a pause before the match, but this season referees have been given clear instructions to halt proceedings.
English Premier League
English Premier League is the highest level of the men’s English football league system. Contested by 20 clubs, it operates on a system of promotion and relegation with the English Football League. Seasons typically run from August to May with each team playing 38 matches.
