Sunday's football matches in Europe were marked by a tragic event in Spain and a cultural scandal in England. During the Sporting Gijón vs Leganés match, an 82-year-old fan died, forcing the game to be suspended. Simultaneously in Leeds, tensions arose on religious grounds when fans whistled at the break for a meal for Manchester City's Muslim players observing Ramadan. Pep Guardiola strongly condemned the lack of respect for religious traditions.

Tragedy at the stadium in Gijón

The match was suspended in the 25th minute after the death of an 82-year-old fan in the stands of the El Molinón stadium.

Whistling in Leeds during the fast

Leeds United fans whistled at the break for a meal for players observing Ramadan, which was condemned by Pep Guardiola.

Bizarre mistake by Valencia's captain

José Gayà became the subject of jokes after running deep into the penalty area during a penalty kick.

Qatar cancels major match

The prestigious Finalissima clash between the champions of Europe and South America has been suspended by Qatar.

Sunday afternoon in Spain's Asturia brought tragic news from the El Molinón stadium. During a Segunda División clash between Sporting Gijón and Leganés, an 82-year-old spectator suffered a sudden cardiac arrest. Medical services immediately launched a rescue operation in the stands, but despite intensive resuscitation, the man's life could not be saved. The refereeing team decided to definitively suspend the match in the 25th minute with the score at 0-0. This decision was met with full understanding from both clubs and the fans, who left the venue in complete silence, paying tribute to the deceased supporter. The El Molinón stadium, whose roots date back to 1908, is considered the oldest professional football venue in Spain, serving as the heart of the sporting identity of the Gijón region.Concurrently, in the British Premier League, an incident occurred that sparked a wave of criticism towards Leeds United fans. During the match against Manchester City, the referee ordered a regulatory technical break to allow players practicing Islam to break the fast associated with Ramadan. A section of the home fans reacted to this gesture with loud whistles and booing. The visiting manager, Pep Guardiola, did not hide his outrage in his post-match remarks, appealing for basic respect for freedom of religion and cultural diversity in modern sport. „Il faut respecter la religion. C'est une question de respect. Vous ne voyez pas ce qui se pase dans le monde?” (We must respect religion. It's a matter of respect. Don't you see what is happening in the world?) — Pep Guardiola On the sporting front in La Liga, Valencia secured a valuable 1-0 victory over Osasuna. While the result was decided by the collaboration of the duo Ramazani and Sadiq, social media was flooded with footage of a bizarre mistake by the home captain. José Gayà, showing a stunning lack of awareness, ran into the penalty area during a penalty kick so deep that he almost overtook the shooter. This situation, described by commentators as absurd, could have led to the penalty being retaken. Furthermore, news spread worldwide about Munir, who left Iran under dramatic circumstances, and about Qatar's decision to suspend the organization of the prestigious Finalissima tournament between Spain and Argentina. FIFA and IFAB rules regarding penalty kicks categorically prohibit players from entering the penalty area before the moment the shooter's foot makes contact with the ball, under penalty of the set piece being retaken.

Mentioned People

  • Pep Guardiola — Manager of Manchester City, who criticized Leeds fans for their lack of respect for Ramadan.
  • José Gayà — Captain of Valencia, central figure in a bizarre situation during a penalty kick.
  • Largie Ramazani — Valencia player, scorer or assistant in the match against Osasuna.
  • Umar Sadiq — Valencia striker involved in the goal-scoring action.