Simon Jordan defends fans accused of racism for booing Premier League game halted for Muslim players
Simon Jordan has defended Leeds United supporters who booed and jeered during a Ramadan fast-breaking pause in last weekend’s Premier League fixture against Manchester City.
The pundit suggested that bewilderment over a possible tactical benefit for the visitors, rather than racist intent, may have been behind the hostile reaction from sections of the Elland Road crowd.
Three Muslim players, Rayan Cherki, Omar Marmoush, and Rayan Ait-Nouri, consumed water and energy gels following referee Peter Bankes’ whistle in the 12th minute, adhering to league guidelines.
Electronic messages around the stadium had explained the reason for the brief stoppage, yet audible booing persisted.
Speaking on TalkSPORT, Jordan said: “The default setting will be that it is centred on discrimination and racism rather than intolerance of the game being stopped by what’s considered to be the opposition.
“If there were Muslim players in the Leeds side and they had been part of a fasting break, would they have booed them?
“There’s a conclusion drawn by the usual suspects that this is racism and can only be that. Rather than an intolerance to something, the opposition might be benefiting from rather than the home side.
“So that might form part of the motivation. Only in the minds of the Leeds fans that booed do we know the motivation, and all the usual suspects will seek to say, ‘A-ha, alive and kicking. we’ve got a big problem over here.’ And it might be that, and it might be something different.”
Simon Jordan has defended Leeds United supporters who booed and jeered during a Ramadan fast-breaking pause
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TALKSPORT
Jordan added: “The balancing act in my mind – is there a necessity to break a game? Can we not wait until half-time? If these players are fit enough to start a game. I understand the dynamics of not disrespecting any religion”.
Former Arsenal midfielder Emmanuel Petit expressed his revulsion at the supporters’ conduct during an earlier segment of the broadcast.
When Jordan put forward his theory, Petit questioned the length of the interruption.
Presenter Jim White, who had previously outlined why the break needed to occur near sunset for player welfare reasons, confirmed it lasted approximately 30 seconds.
Manchester City players broke their fast in Saturday night’s match with Leeds | GETTYPetit responded by noting that VAR reviews frequently extend to six or seven minutes.
Jordan made clear that he personally did not condone the booing.
Following the match, Leeds boss Daniel Farke echoed a similar sentiment, indicating he believed the fans may have misunderstood the situation.
Farke said: “I’m not sure that everyone was aware, we had the topic of Pep bringing players in to give a team talk, I think supporters thought it was this.”
Five facts about the Premier League | PA/GETTY/REUTERS/GBNEWSHe added: “I don’t think booing was for this. If it was from some people about this, then that’s not acceptable.”
Pep Guardiola urged football fans to “respect religion and diversity” following the game.
The Manchester City boss said: “It is a modern world, right? [You see] what is happening in the world today. Respect religion, diversity, that is the point.”
City secured a narrow 1-0 victory at Elland Road, with Antoine Semenyo netting the decisive goal during first-half stoppage time.
