REFEREE Matthias Jollenbeck made Bundesliga history last week by stopping a match to allow a player to break their Ramadan fast.
Jollenbeck halted play in the 65th minute of Augsburg’s clash with Mainz to allow defender Moussa Niakhate – who is currently observing Ramadan – to break his fast after sunset.
Refree Matthias Jollenbeck stopped play during Mainz’s Bundesliga clash with Augsburg to allow Moussa Niakhate to break his fast Credit: GETTY
Niakhate – who is observing Ramadan – used the opportunity to take on liquids Credit: ESPN
Niakhate thanked Jollenbeck for his act of kindness shortly after he rehydrated Credit: ESPN Mainz’s Niakhate took the opportunity to take on fluids during the brief interlude – which marked the first time a game in Germany’s top-flight had been halted to allow a practising Muslim to break their fast.
Former France Under-21 international Niakhate immediately thanked Jollenbeck, applauding him before running up to shake his hands a few moments later.
Footy fans across the world took to Twitter to hail Jollenbeck and the incredible act of kindness.
One said: “You love to see it.”
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Haaland SNUBS United deal, Pogba a ‘priority’ for PSG – Ronaldo updates Another said: “Pure show of humility and respect for religion.”
And another said: ” Good ref.”
One remarked: “Moments like this are why I love sports.”
Another chimed in: “How do People fast and play football? Incredible.”
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German referees have been given permission to halt games to allow players observing Ramadan to take on fluids.
Ref chief Lutz Michael Frohlich recently said: “There is no general instruction in this regard, but of course, we support our referees allowing such drinking breaks during Ramadan at the request of the players.”
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Queen takes on Harry and Meghan by green lighting rival book Mainz ended up on the wrong side of a 2-1 result at the Augsburg Arena, with goals from Jeffrey Gouweleeuw and Ruben Vargas doing the damage.
Niakhate and his Mainz team-mates will be back in action on Saturday afternoon, taking on Stuttgart.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
