Leeds United have informed supporters that Sunday's FA Cup clash with Norwich City will include a brief stoppage to enable players observing Ramadan to break their fast. This follows last month's fixture against Manchester City, which was paused for the same purpose, during which there was 'disappointing and unexpected' booing from certain Leeds fans.

The incident garnered national attention and prompted criticism of the club and its fanbase. In their statement, Leeds have acknowledged their communication surrounding the City break had not been 'proactive' enough, whilst also noting that messaging inside Elland Road was not visible to all attendees. Nevertheless, the predominant message is a plea for respect and condemnation of 'stains on the game.'

EXPRESS SPORT ON FB!Get all the best sports news and much more on our Facebook page

The statement reads:"Leeds United Football Club are asking for respect to be shown during this Sunday's FA Cup fifth round tie with Norwich City, when play will be paused to allow players observing Ramadan to break their fast, including our own striker, Joel Piroe.

"At an appropriate time following sunset in Leeds at 5:56pm, which will be around the 75th minute of our clash with the Canaries, the referee will call a halt to proceedings for a brief period allowing players from both sides to take on fluids and energy supplements in line with agreed protocol. " "A pause also took place during our Premier League fixture with Manchester City last weekend, which led to booing from some supporters which was disappointing and unexpected.

"Having taken time to reflect, there were also several mitigating circumstances which led to this: To be clear, Leeds United Football Club explicitly condemn any supporters in the home or away sections who actively boo players observing Ramadan and use the protocol in place to break theirfast.

"We would like to thank everyone who has taken time in recent days to get in touch with us and provide feedback, including our Supporter Advisory Board, in order for us to understand exactly why this situation arose against Manchester City and the lessons which can be learnt moving forwards.

""Football still has a long way to go in eradicating stains on the game, including racism, homophobia, tragedy chanting and the sickening Jimmy Saville taunts our own supporters are subjected to at every match from opposition fans.

"As a club, we will continue to work to ensure that in time, these issues cease to exist. On Sunday against Norwich City, there is an opportunity to show the very best of Leeds United, and that everyone is welcome at Elland Road. All Leeds aren't we."

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola had been vocal after the boos in the game against Leeds and said:"It is a modern world, right? [You see] what is happening in the world today. Respect religion, diversity, that is the point. The Premier League says you can have one or two minutes, you can have for the [fasting] players to do it [break their fast]. It is what it is, unfortunately.

"We took on a little bit of vitamins because [Rayan] Cherki, [Rayan] Aït-Nouri did not eat today. No more than that. The question is, can they do it or not? What is the problem?"