WATCH: Football match paused for Manchester United’s Muslim player to break his fast

In a touching gesture, an FA Cup match between Manchester United and Fulham was briefly paused to allow Muslim players to break their fast. The sight of player observing Ramadan, with non-Muslims respecting and allowing him to practice his faith, won hearts online.

Before the tournament, the Football Association (FA) had announced that “players observing Ramadan will be permitted a short pause in play to break their fast.”

The FA also clarified that the break would be pre-agreed and would not serve as a team drinks break or tactical timeout.

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The match, which kicked off at 4:30 pm local time on Sunday, saw Manchester United’s Noussair Mazraoui taking a brief break as the time for Iftar approached. He drank water on the sidelines, with other players also pausing to hydrate alongside him.

The moment of mutual respect and inclusivity earned widespread praise, with many lauding it as a true display of sportsmanship.

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"One Muslim brother had to break his Ramadan fast, and at Old Trafford stadium with 65,000 people in it saw the FA cup football match paused for few minutes so that Manchester United’s Noussair Mazraoui can open his fast - while other prayers also took a drink," Muslim Council for Hong Kong said on X.