Referees in the Premier League and EFL have reportedly been asked to pause evening games during Ramadan to allow players to break their fast.
The holy period of Ramadan, which is the ninth month in the Islamic calendar, is set to start on Wednesday and will end on the evening of Friday April 21.
A number of Muslim players will be abstaining from eating and drinking during daylight hours and match officials in England’s top four divisions have been asked to halt night matches so these players can take on liquids, energy gels and supplements, according to Sky Sports.
They have been encouraged to wait for a natural stoppage in play, such as a goal kick or a throw-in, before pausing the game.
Teams have also been told to try and agree a rough time with the referee ahead of kick-off for the brief stoppage to take place.
Matches in the Premier League have been paused in the past for players to break their fast, with Burnley’s league game against Southampton last season halted in the 41st minute to allow Mohamed Elyounoussi and Yan Valery to refuel.
In April 2021, Wesley Fofana was also allowed to break his fast when Leicester played Crystal Palace.
Credit: dailymail.co.uk
