Colin Sheridan: With inclusivity comes a need for understanding of Ramadan demands on young Muslim athletes

As the Muslim population in Ireland grows, so too does the numbers of young Muslim kids getting involved in all sports, especially Gaelic Games

Leicester City's Wesley Fofana breaks his Ramadan fast mid-match. Picture: Neil Hall/PA

Midway through Leicester City’s 2-1 win over Crystal Palace last month, Palace ‘keeper Vicente Guaita paused before taking a kick-out to enable Leicester defender Wesley Fofana take a sip of water pitchside.

The break was prearranged and agreed upon by both team captains beforehand, and was intended to allow Fofana, a practising Muslim, to break his Ramadan fast at a point in the game after sunset. Fofana used the brief interval to sip some water and quickly eat a banana before returning to the field of play. It would have been his first food or drink in at least 14 hours. The act of sportsmanship, though an entirely obvious one (Muslim athletes fasting and competing during Ramadan is hardly a novel concept), highlighted a growing awareness of the Islamic faith amongst sports teams, their supporters and the media.