The first Muslim to represent England’s Rugby League team will introduce a moratorium on the Rugby Football League, following the example of other sports, and allowing players to break their fast during Ramadan “as a matter of urgency”. He joins a growing number of calls for this.
Many Super League players are currently fasting during Ramadan, and London Broncos duo Ilies Makani and Hakim Miloudi recently missed a match after Miloudi was forced to break his fast midway through a match. He told the Observer that he had consumed food and drink while inside. This was because the players did not have a proper break to eat their first meal after sunset, known as iftar. Salford center Nene McDonald did the same against Leigh on Saturday night.
Last year, football gave referees the power to stop matches to allow Muslim players to break their fast, but former Leeds and London player Ikram Butt, who won an England cap in 1995, said: He called on the RFL to do the same at the earliest. As well as supporting our players, it’s also a weekend to send the message that rugby league is open and welcoming to all.
Mr Butt told the Guardian: “Rugby league is a very demanding game and it would be unwise for Muslim players to be expected to give their all without taking appropriate breaks.Iftar breaks are now common in the Premier League. However, despite being such a welcoming and family-friendly sport, the sport of rugby league seems to be behind the times in this regard.
“We are usually one of the first to introduce innovations and the RFL should introduce an official break as early as this weekend. , have instructed referees to stop play at agreed times and I am asking the RFL to do the same. It’s a small moment, but it will mean a lot.”
Mr Butt is chairman of the Dual Code British Asia Rugby Union, which advocates for inclusion and equality for players from the South Asian region. He added: “Rugby league is seen as an open and welcoming sport and small steps like this show that rugby league is a welcome sport for people of the Muslim faith of all ages. Probably.”
“In any case, by making small gestures that can be incorporated into the natural breaks of the game, the RFL can inspire a new generation of athletes and enthusiasts.”
