«The competitions must be interrupted for those who fast»- Corriere.it

As reported by Sky Sportsthe English federation would have asked the referees of the Premier League to suspend the evening matches for a few minutes during the Ramadan, so as to allow players who practice it to break their fast when it is allowed, i.e. after sunset, and be able to take water or supplements. Ramadan, which falls in the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, will begin tomorrow and end on the evening of Friday 21 April. A period of time during which a number of Muslim players will abstain from eating and drinking during the day, so match officials in England’s top four divisions have been asked to stop night games so that these players can hire liquids, energy gels and supplements once the sun goes down.

When the match is stopped for Ramadan

This is not the first time such a measure has been taken. Last season for example Burnley-Southampton was interrupted in the 41st minute to allow a Mohamed Elyounoussi And Yan Valery (of the away team) to refuel. The Premier League’s position previously was to allow matches to be stopped if a team made an early requestbut this time he sent a clear message to the referees before the start of Ramadan. Also because the English top flight has several high-profile Muslim players, among which Salah And Mahrez just to name two who will be fasting in the next month. The first break can be seen in Leeds-Liverpool on Monday 17 April. Sunset over Yorkshire is scheduled for 8.10pm, which is around ten minutes after kick-off.

The big names involved

Looking ahead to the next matchday, an interruption could also occur in Arsenal’s home game against Southampton four days later. It will be played on Friday 21 April — the last day of Ramadan — at 8.00pm, when the sun is expected to set in London at 8.06pm. Salah and Mahrez will meet in the first Premier League game after the international break when the Reds travel to the Etihad, although no break will be needed for that game as kick-off is set for 12.30. Chelsea defenders Koulibaly and Fofana will also observe Ramadan