Premier League praised for assisting players who are observing Ramadan

Crystal Palace’s head of sports medicine Dr Zaf Iqbal has praised the improved awareness and actions taken by the Premier League, its clubs and referees to assist players who are observing Ramadan this year.

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and results in Muslims worldwide partaking in a sustained period of fasting, where they do not eat or drink during daylight hours. Extra prayers also occur in a month of spiritual reflection.

The dates of Ramadan change annually and are dependent on the first sighting of the new moon. It will happen between April 2 and May 1 this year, having been April 13 to May 12 in 2021.

While Ramadan has taken place outside of the English football season in the past, it is predicted over the coming years to regularly be observed during the final months of the domestic campaign and this year referees will again allow a pause in evening matches – if requested – for players to break their fast.

“There certainly has been a lot more awareness,” Dr Iqbal, who has worked in the Premier League since 2007, told the PA news agency

“It’s been excellent to see that managers, coaches and staff are more understanding of others’ beliefs and are accommodating. It can only lead to better understanding, appreciation and harmony within a team.”

Last season, Dr Iqbal was responsible for what is believed to be the first Premier League game paused mid-match so players could break their fast for Ramadan.

When Leicester hosted Crystal Palace on April 26, referee Graham Scott allowed a brief halting of procedures so Wesley Fofana and Cheikhou Kouyate could have Iftar, the evening meal that sees Muslims end their daily fast at sunset.

Further education has occurred since and the Premier League has given