Muslim footballers - This is not a dig at Islam

[es1]

Is he on Ramadan at the moment????

no

it finished a while back

 

[Prestwich_Blue]

Same sort of problem in a few sports with Yom Kippur.

City have had more than a few Jewish players over the years who, strictly speaking, shouldn't turn out on Saturdays or other Jewish holidays but they have. Not that I've seen them in person of course - a friend told me (clears throat). There may well be a number of devout Christians who play on a Sunday (although that seems less of a problem ethically).

We don't know if Toure observed Ramadan strictly and that's his business but anyone who has ever fasted will know that it's something you get used to. If he's happy and the club are happy then I don't see the problem.

Players are often forced to play while carrying injuries, which is potentially far more damaging.

 

[emilymcfc]

What an interesting and valid point, obviously it's not a footballers fault if they have to follow a religious belief, but it would almost certainly affect their performance surely if they are dehydrated or not eating...can anybody enlighten us on this?

 

[Dubai Blue]

He definitely did fast as there was an article about it at the time. Although he said it wasn't a problem.

He will have had a big meal just before sunrise that will have kept him going through training/matches. The lack of fluids before the match and during half-time would probably be the only main concern.

 

[Damocles]

Mourinho got in trouble about saying exactly this about Sulley Muntari.

He seemed to believe that his performance significantly dropped over the Ramadan period. Having watched Muntari play, I can only assume that he started picking up the ball and running with it.

 

[Mikeegrini]

It's an interesting point - I got a taxi during Ramadan this year and the driver was telling me that many of his colleagues had taken time off as they found it too difficult to work while fasting. He was also a muslim and was working less hours.

However I'd imagine football at the top level is a completely different issue. It's likely that footballers can keep to the spirit of Ramadam while still getting the required nutrition. Can anyone enlighten us with what actually happens?

During Ramadam nothing should be drunk or eaten by a follower of Islam there are some exceptions I believe for example whilst travelling.
I don't think nutrition would necessarily be a problem except for immediate recovery after a game. Liquids would be the biggest problem as already highlighted. Kolo didn't drink anything from sunrise and until after sunset.

 

[coleridge]

I don't think professional sports people fast if in action. Nico was also a devout convert who regularly attended Didsbury and Victoria Park mosques. You don't fast if you are very young, very old and weak, menstruating and ill. You can also make up fasts at other times, so that you can fast out of Ramadhan and so outside of the footy season. As fasting during, say, an August match when liquid is required would make you quite ill, it is not consiered appropriate to fast then. I think that Amir Khan fasts during training but he can do it all in his own time, unlike football matches.

You can always check the matches. I assume that Kolo was taking swigs of liquid during the games and hence was to fasting. The proof must be there in full colour.

 

[citoeast]

Before I make my point can I just say this is no dig at Islam, nor is it meant with any disrespect towards Islam or Muslim people.

For those who don’t know, Kolo Toure is a devout Muslim. Devout Muslims fast during the period of Ramadan. This year, Ramadan fell on the dates 22nd August to 19th September which clashed with the beginning of the season.

This seasons derby at OT fell on 20th September, which means Toure (and potentially any other Muslim players) would of been fasting during the build up to this game. This could have affected the condition of the player and their physical/mental preparation for this match, and also any previous matches.

The point is, should these players be allowed to participate in Ramadan? Or should they even be played in football matches?

( I am aware that we won the first 4 league matches of the season, I am not criticising Toure’s performances during this period. This point can also apply to various other professional footballers.)

It is this discipline which probably makes them so good at their profession. It would also be religious discrimination.

 

[Dubai Blue]

You can always check the matches. I assume that Kolo was taking swigs of liquid during the games and hence was to fasting. The proof must be there in full colour.

He definitely fasted. There was an interview with him about it somewhere.

 

[coleridge]

He definitely did fast as there was an article about it at the time. Although he said it wasn't a problem.

He will have had a big meal just before sunrise that will have kept him going through training/matches. The lack of fluids before the match and during half-time would probably be the only main concern.

That's interesting. Didn't see the article. Food would not be such a big issue and I suppose that he could have taken rehydration tablets. I just wait to see if there are any photos that say otherwise.