A football match was stopped in Bundesliga for the first time to allow Mainz defender Moussa Niakhate to break his fast.
Ramadan started at the beginning of April, during which, those partaking must not eat or drink anything during hours of daylight.
So in the 65th minute of of Mainz’s trip to Augsburg, referee Matthias Jollenbeck halted proceedings so Niakhate could hydrate himself.
In doing so the referee and Niakhate made Bundesliga history as it was the first time that a game has been stopped to allow a player to break fast during Ramadan.
Niakhate took fluids on board from two bottles while speaking to Mainz goalkeeper Robin Zentner.
The 26-year-old then applauded the referee for the gesture and ran up to thank Jollenbeck by shaking his hand.
Lutz Michael Frohlich, director of communications for the German Referee Committee, has approved referees stopping games to allow players to break their fast.
In RB Leipzig’s 3-0 win over Hoffenheim on Sunday, referee Bastian Dankert allowed Mohamed Siamakan a few minutes to hydrate.
It is a sight that could be seen in the Premier League over the next few weeks during evening kick-offs.
Adapted from Dailymail
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