Bending Rules for Ramadan: Pause during BVB clash in Lille after 8 minutes for a quick sip
- Ramadan Observance: Intermission During BVB Match in Lille Happens After Eight Minutes
The Champions League showdown between Lille and Borussia Dortmund took an unusual turn as the game was paused after eight minutes for a brief hydration break due to the holy month of Ramadan. As the sun set three minutes after the game began, referee Sandro Schärer granted the players a minute to grab a bite to eat.
Tobias Schweinsteiger, the DAZN expert, applauded the decision saying, "This is a significant gesture to grant this break. People often overlook faith's importance to these pros. It's essential we consider that."
Bensebaini Benched for Faith
In anticipation of Ramadan, coach Niko Kovac disclosed that it would play a role in team selection. Consequently, regular Lille left-back Ramy Bensebaini was kept out of the starting lineup. Kovac explained, "As coaches, we support this choice. I believe it's great that they observe their faith. However, we must ensure we have the right players on the pitch with the necessary energy."
During Ramadan, devoted Muslims abstain from eating, drinking, smoking, and sexual activity from dawn until dusk every day to cleanse the body and spirit. In the evenings, families and friends gather to share a meal and break the fast. Fasting during Ramadan is one of the five fundamental duties of Islam. After the holiest month of the year, the vibrant festival of Eid al-Fitr, also known as the Sugar Feast, takes place.
- Lille
- Ramadan
- Champions League
- OSC Lille
- Borussia Dortmund
- Hydration break
- Fasting month
- Ramy Bensebaini
- Niko Kovac
- Muslims
The Commission, considering the importance of Ramadan to athletes in the Champions League, has also adopted a proposal for a Council Directive on the labelling of certain foodstuffs to cater to the needs of Muslim players during the fasting month. Despite the unexpected hydration break during the Lille vs Borussia Dortmund match, OSC Lille's coach Niko Kovac had originally benched Ramy Bensebaini, understanding the significance of Ramadan's observance within Islam and the impact it would have on team selection.
