There have been plaudits from across the sporting world after an English Premier League game between Crystal Palace and Leicester City was paused on the 35th minute to let Islamic players break their Ramadan fast.
The game was stopped unofficially by Crystal Palace's goalkeeper Vicente Guaita, who held onto the ball so players from the other team could fetch food and water. Leicester's center-back Wesley Fofana and Palace's midfielder Cheikhou Kouyate were the two players to take advantage of this moment.
Ramadan is one of the holiest times in the Islamic calendar during which Muslims do not eat or consume fluid during daylight hours. The festival lasts a month and ends with the celebration of Eid. As sundown was at the 35th minute of the game, this was the first opportunity for the players to break their fast.
A football game can involve burning a huge amount of energy and so players tend to eat very large meals a few hours before they take to the field.
Muslim people take part in the festival to show their resolve and strengthen their will. Most get up early in the morning to eat and drink and then spend the day fasting until the first opportunity to eat again, the very young, the very old, and people with health conditions are exempt.
Leicester player Wesley Fofana later thanked the Palace goalkeeper, saying:
"That's what makes football wonderful."
This is the first time in English footballing history that a game has been stopped for such a reason.
Leicester manager Brendan Rodgers, said afterwards:
"I've worked with lots of players with devotion to their faiths and for a lot of the guys it gives them strength. He's finding an incredible strength to play continuously and train during Ramadan. He's a special talent and a big player for us."
Leicester City went on to win the game 3-0.
[h/t: Upworthy]
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