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Wesley Fofana (number three) with his trainer Brandon Rodgers
Photo: Pool / Getty Images
Breaking the fast in the middle of the game: The Premier League game between Leicester City and Crystal Palace (2-1) was briefly stopped on Monday evening out of consideration for the Muslims on the pitch.
When the sun went down after half an hour, Wesley Fofana (Leicester) and Cheikhou Kouyate (Palace) were allowed to take energy gels on the sidelines.
Palace goalkeeper Vicente Guaita waited with a goal kick, the action was discussed with the referee. “I want to thank the Premier League, Vicente Guaita, and all the players for allowing me to break my fast during the game. That's what makes football so wonderful, ”Fofana wrote on Twitter. It was the first time in Premier League history that players had been given this opportunity.
During Ramadan, professional footballers often have difficulties getting enough energy during the day.
On Thursday, Fofana was therefore substituted for West Bromwich Albion after an hour.
"I wanted to protect him a bit," said Leicester's team manager Brendan Rodgers afterwards: "I've worked with many players with devotion for their beliefs, and it gives many people strength."
mfu / sid