Leicester defender Fofana breaks Ramadan fast mid-game, thanks Premier League for allowing him
It's believed to be the first time in Premier League history that a game has been paused to allow Muslim players to eat and drink mid-game, once the sun has set, in accordance with the rules of Ramadan.
Leicester and Crystal Palace agreed pre-match with referee Graham Scott that there would be a pause in Tuesday's game after half an hour to allow Wesley Fofana and Cheikhou Kouyate to break their Ramadan fast, Sky Sports reported.
Vicente Guiata delayed taking a goal kick on the half-hour mark on Tuesday evening to allow Fofana and Kouyate to take energy gels at the side of the pitch.
It's believed to be the first time in Premier League history that a game has been paused to allow Muslim players to eat and drink mid-game, once the sun has set, in accordance with the rules of Ramadan.
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Fofana has tweeted, thanking Guiata, Palace and the Premier League for allowing him to break his fast.
Rodgers substituted Fofana after an hour against West Brom on Thursday. The Leicester manager said he wanted to protect his player.
"It was just one where I thought if I could get him off then he could get some food into him on the bench, and just protect him a little bit," Rodgers said after the West Brom clash. "I've worked with lots of players with devotion to their faiths and for a lot of the guys it gives them strength.
"He's finding an incredible strength to play continuously and train during Ramadan. He's a special talent and a big player for us."
Significantly, because of the pre-match agreement with Palace, Fofana was able to play the full 94 minutes.
As part of one of the five pillars of Islam, during Ramadan, between daylight hours Muslims will not eat or drink as they show their devotion to their religion and Allah.
