Arab Weather - Controversy is always raised during Ramadan about Muslim players in Europe and their insistence on fasting during matches and training, and the reaction of their coaches is divided into understanding the nature of this month and another angry because of his belief that his fasting players will not play with the same efficiency.
Just 28 minutes after the match between Inter Milan and Bari in the Italian league, then Inter coach Jose Mourinho removed Ghanaian Sulley Ali Muntari from the match stadium.
Mourinho later explained his decision and said: Muntari had some problems related to Ramadan, maybe it was not in his interest to fast during the match, Ramadan did not come at the ideal time for professional footballers.
Mourinho's comment provoked great anger among the Muslims of Italy, but then he blamed the journalists for this situation and said in the press conference for the following match: What is happening now is your fault, I know exactly what you said, I said I could not criticize Muntari's behavior because it is something about religion, Which means that I accept him, I never said that Muntari would forget his faith.
The month of Ramadan coincided with the two Champions League finals that Liverpool have fought in recent years, against Real Madrid and Tottenham, and the two meetings witnessed the fasting of both the Egyptian Mohamed Salah and the Senegalese Sadio Mane.
Klopp said before facing Real Madrid: "Religion is a private matter, as I understand it, so there is nothing to say about it, but everything is good, and you can see them in training, they look very lively and energy."
The German coach emphasized his position and understanding of Salah and Mane's fasting before meeting Tottenham, saying: They give their best, whether during fasting or without it, in this life there are more important things than football.
Leicester City coach Brendan Rodgers praised his player Wesley Fofana twice during the past and current Ramadan, and the coach said during the past year: Fofana is getting stronger with exercises and matches during Ramadan, fasting increases his resolve during this period.
Then he came back and repeated his praise after the Foxes drew with Manchester United: He didn't eat or drink anything all day and gave this performance, it was absolutely amazing.
Some of the 2014 World Cup matches were played in Brazil during the month of Ramadan, one of which was the meeting of Germany and Algeria in the round of 16.
And German Mesut Ozil admitted that he would not be able to fast during the World Cup, saying: I am working and I will continue my work, so I will not fast during Ramadan in this World Cup year because I work.
While the captain of the Algerian national team, Majid Bougherra, spoke and said: The most difficult thing is the issue of drought, but it's okay, the weather is good, and some players can postpone their fast. As for me, I will decide based on my physical condition, but I think I will fast.
The coach of the French national team, Didier Deschamps, explained that he “did not ask anything” from his Muslim players, and said: These are sensitive and delicate matters, and I have nothing to ask, I respect all religions, and the players are accustomed to fasting and playing, and this situation is not new, and I am not worried because everyone will adapt to the matter. .
During his stay in Milan, Hakimi talked about his participation in the matches during fasting during the day in Ramadan, and the Moroccan said in statements to the Italian newspaper “La Repubblica”: It will be more difficult, I do not deny this, but it is an essential part of my culture and the religion that I believe in, and this is what I care about. The important thing is to rest well and restore your energy.
The English Premier League has set rules in order to observe the fasting of Muslim players during the matches in which they participate, as the BBC revealed that there is an agreement with the team leaders to allow their teammates to take a simple break and stop the match during the implementation of a goal kick or throw-in so that the fasting people can break their fast.
The network confirmed that it will allow team leaders during the matches to request a break time for a small period, in order for the Muslim players to break their fast during the matches, in agreement with the referees before the start of the match.
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