Leeds United have issued a lengthy statement for supporters ahead of their FA Cup clash with Norwich City on Sunday, 8 March, with the club keen to avoid a repeat of what occurred at Elland Road last weekend.
For the past week, Leeds supporters have faced widespread criticism for their response to the Ramadan break during their Premier League match against Manchester City, and with another late afternoon kick-off to come on Sunday, there are concerns about what could happen.
The boos that rang around the stadium during the 78-second break last weekend were uncomfortable to hear, but the club have now offered a series of possible explanations for the incident.
Leeds urge supporters to show ‘respect' on Sunday
In a statement published by the club on Friday, Leeds asked for ‘respect to be shown' during the Whites' FA Cup fifth round clash with Norwich City on Sunday, specifically towards those who will break their fast, including striker Joel Piroe. The statement continued:
“To be clear, Leeds Unitedexplicitly condemn any supporters in the home or away sections who actively boo players observing Ramadan and use the protocol in place to break their fast.“
Leeds United call for respect to be shown on Sunday as players break their fast, including striker Joel Piroe
— Leeds United (@LUFC) March 6, 2026
The club also offered some possible explanations for the ugly scenes at Elland Road last weekend. These were as follows:
- This was the first time a game at Elland Road has ever been paused to allow players observing Ramadan to break their fast. The club have accepted that they should have been more proactive with their communications in advance of the fixture.
- The big screen message that informed fans that the break was due to Ramadan wasn't visible to 25% of the crowd, including the South Stand.
- Some home fans believed that the break was another ‘tactical timeout' orchestrated by Manchester City after a strong start to the game for Leeds.
- The players' confusion at the break fed into the stands.
FGG says: An apology would have sufficed
The lack of apology within the statement from Leeds United was telling, and the fact that they have tried to excuse the actions of the majority of the crowd at Elland Road last weekend is in poor taste. A simple apology and a pledge to educate supporters should have been the play here.