The controversy began in the 12th minute when Rayan Cherki, Rayan Ait-Nouri, and Omar Marmoush were allowed a brief pause to rehydrate and take vitamins, as they were observing Ramadan. Both teams moved to the technical area for about one minute, but the Elland Road stands echoed with jeers and offensive remarks.

Man City stated they had requested this break before the match, and Leeds had agreed. Coach Farke's starting lineup did not include any Muslim players.

Coach Pep Guardiola took the opportunity to consult with his team during the temporary halt in the Man City versus Leeds matchday 28 of the Premier League, allowing players observing Ramadan to rehydrate and take vitamins. Photo: AFP

After the match, Guardiola called for respect. "This is the modern world. We must respect religion and diversity," he said. "The organizers allow one to two minutes for fasting players to break their fast. The question is whether they are allowed to do it or not, what is wrong with that?"

In the second half, Guardiola himself became embroiled in an altercation with a group of home fans in the main stand. One fan reportedly approached the visiting team's technical area to provoke him.

As the match concluded with Man City securing the win, the Spanish coach sarcastically waved and blew kisses towards the stand. Captain Bernardo Silva also had to be pulled away by teammates after reacting to the home fans.

Coach Daniel Farke received a red card for protesting the referee. Photo: AMA

The tension did not end there. Coach Daniel Farke was sent off after vehemently protesting referee Peter Bankes, believing insufficient stoppage time had been added. The red card meant the German coach could not attend the post-match press conference.

Assistant Edmund Riemer stated that the Leeds coaching staff was disappointed with the fans' reaction during Man City's Ramadan break, and also suggested the referee could have handled Farke more leniently.

In this match, Man City faced difficulties, even having fewer shots (12 compared to Leeds' 14), but still secured three points thanks to Antoine Semenyo's sole goal. Guardiola admitted: "Leeds played very aggressively. We controlled possession to cool down the atmosphere. The team defended well, playing a complete match at one of the toughest stadiums."

Guardiola revealed that Erling Haaland sustained a minor injury during training on 26/2, causing him to miss the Leeds match, and his return date is unknown.

Coach Pep Guardiola (right) shakes hands with Bernardo Silva after the match. Photo: PA Wire

Haaland's injury comes as Man City enters a packed schedule with 4 matches across three competitions in the next two weeks. The team will face Nottingham Forest in the Premier League on 4/3, travel to Newcastle for the FA Cup fifth round on 7/3, visit Real Madrid in the Champions League round of 16 first leg on 11/3, and then play West Ham just three days later.

Guardiola expressed dissatisfaction that the FA Cup match against Newcastle was scheduled for 20h instead of 15h, allowing less recovery time before the crucial clash with Real Madrid. The 55-year-old coach also emphasized that Man City's priority is to secure Champions League qualification, despite narrowing the gap with Arsenal to two points.

"We take one game at a time. The Premier League is getting tougher. It's important to make significant progress to qualify for the Champions League next season. That is the club's number one goal," he stated.

By Hong Duy (source: Daily Mail, Sky Sports)