Leeds assistant manager Edmund Riemer has said he’s ‘disappointed’ that some fans decided to boo, whistle and chant after Muslim players broke their fast for Ramadan during Saturday night’s Premier League match with Manchester City at Elland Road.
In the first-half, play was stopped for a couple of minutes as Muslim stars were given some protein drinks to boost their energy.
But those inside the ground were unhappy and, while some Leeds players looked surprised, boos, whistles and chants were heard ringing out.
Riemer, when quizzed on the incident, said he was ‘disappointed’ that had happened.
“I’m focused on the game so I don’t really hear it but disappointed with some supporters that that happened,” he said.
Despite the result, which went against Leeds due to Antoine Semenyo’s goal in first-half stoppage time, Riemer was enthused by their display.
“It was an outstanding performance again, we put a big shift in and once again it was an unbelievable performance for the lads,” he said.
Leeds United supporters inside Elland Road were left furious on Saturday night as play was halted in order for Muslim players to break their fasts during Ramadan | GETTY
“We try to recover well and be there again against Sunderland on Tuesday to produce another great shift.
“We should have scored a goal. I don’t think we allowed too many chances, it was quite equal.
“But we concede at the worst possible time. The ball down the line was difficult to defend. They waited for this one moment and fair play to them.
Five facts about the Premier League | PA/GETTY/REUTERS/GBNEWS
“We tried to push but of course we can struggle against a world class team. We hd moments to score, it was a shame that we didn’t score.”
After the full-time whistle, Daniel Farke was sensationally sent off.
The German coach charged onto the field to talk to referee Peter Banks but received his marching orders before he’d even finally made it to his destination.
Riemer, when asked about Farke’s red, stated: “I had a short chat with him. There were incidents, there was time wasting.
“They got a yellow card in added time. Six minutes. You are emotional and then he ran on the pitch and he got a red card.
Antoine Semenyo celebrates after scoring for Manchester City against Leeds | PA
“Perhaps it was too aggressive. He rarely gets sent off. He is never aggressive and rarely gets sent off so I think it is harsh.”
City boss Pep Guardiola, meanwhile, was thrilled with his side’s victory.
“We made a lot of passes that we needed to do to survive without much intention to attack. The reaction was amazing, unbelievable with the goal we scored. Complete game, in a tough, tough place and 10 games left in the Premier league. Time to be decisive,” he said.
“Now we are building these players and they have a long, long time here. It is important for the future for the club.”
