French voices have been critical of the local football federation's decision to ban the suspension of matches that coincide with the Maghrib call to prayer in the holy month of Ramadan to allow players to eat iftar.
The French federation ordered its referees not to stop matches so that fasting Muslim players could not break their fast, arguing that "football should be neutral from other issues".
Paris Saint-Germain fans caught the eye after expressing their dissatisfaction with the French Federation's decision in a brilliant way.
Before the start of the match between Paris and Lyon in the 29th round of the French league, which was held at the Parc des Princes, local fans raised a large banner denouncing the decision.
Parisian fans wrote on the sign: "A date and a glass of water. The nightmare of the French Union."
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🪧 A banner from Paris Saint-Germain fans in response to the French Federation's decision not to stop matches for the players' breakfast:
Dates and a glass of water. The nightmare of the French Union. " 😁 pic.twitter.com/HTtPizh0io
— iTKORA | Tired (@iT7RM) April 2, 2023
For his part, criticized former French international Lucas Digne player Aston Villa decision through the feature "Story" account in "Instagram".
"In 2023 we can stop the match for 20 minutes in order to review the decisions of the referees, but it is forbidden for one minute in order to drink water!"
🇫🇷 Lucas Digne s’exprime sur IG par rapport au refus de la FFF concernant le ramadan
Quel brave 👑 pic.twitter.com/TlahS7u9YG
— 🎙MoneyTime ⭐️⭐️ (@Moneytimecast) April 1, 2023
The French federation had rejected the idea of suspending matches in order to allow Muslim players to break their fast during the holy month of Ramadan, contrary to the decision of the Premier League, which announced earlier that referees would allow referees to stop the match to give players a chance to break their fast during matches.
According to the French network "Radio Monte Carlo", the Federal Referees Committee of the French Federation of the game sent a letter to the referees confirming that the suspension of matches is not allowed in order to allow Muslim players to eat.
"We draw the attention of the French Federation to the idea of suspending matches after breakfast in Ramadan, these suspensions do not respect the provisions of the statutes of the Football Federation. Decentralized bodies are bodies entrusted with the mission of public service delegated by the State, defend the fundamental values of the French Republic, and must implement means to prevent any discrimination or attack on the dignity of any person because of his political and religious beliefs."
"Anyone who violates these provisions will be subject to disciplinary or criminal proceedings, as any speech or presentation of a political, ideological, religious or trade union nature is prohibited during the French Federation's competitions."