Chelsea’s Kalidou Koulibaly says Premier League Ramadan breaks are ‘amazing’

Chelsea’s Kalidou Koulibaly thinks it’s ‘great’ that Premier League games are being stopped so Muslim players can break their Ramadan.

Several English league matches have been stopped midway through the first half, just after sunset, to allow players fasting for the Islamic holy month to bring food and drink.

Among them was Chelsea’s goalless draw against Liverpool last week, when Koulibaly, Wesley Fofana and N’Golo Kante had the chance to re-energize on the sidelines.

Last month, Stamford Bridge became the first Premier League stadium to host an Open Iftar event, opening the doors for hundreds of people from the local community to break their fast pitch pitch.

The Senegalese international defender, 31, told BBC Sports: “During Ramadan, teammates see us praying and ask what we are doing.

A break was held during the first half to allow Muslim players to break their Ramadan fast

Chelsea held an Open Iftar event at Stamford Bridge on March 26 with hundreds in attendance

“Usually they think that Ramadan is about not eating or drinking, but it’s about more than that.

“It’s about understanding what we read in the Quran, the religion, our behavior and also our prophet Mohammed.

“We have to explain that to them, so if someone asks, we can answer.

“When you come here and see them stopping games for Muslims to refuel, have a drink and recharge, it’s amazing.

“It never happened to me, that’s why this feeling is great.

“I saw it on TV when Wesley broke his fast at Leicester during the game, it was amazing.

“If they do it for you, it’s incredible. I was very happy and I’m looking forward to it again.’

Chelsea opened its doors to the Muslim community this week as hundreds gathered at Stamford Bridge to break their fast during Ramadan

The Bridge became the first Premier League ground to host an Open Iftar – the UK’s largest community event during Ramadan

Chelsea has a number of Muslim players, including N’Golo Kante (L) and Hakim Ziyech (R)

When clubs have requested a break to refuel their Muslim players, evening fixtures in the Premier League and EFL have been interrupted at an appropriate time in the first half.

The first Premier League game with a scheduled stoppage of play was the game between Everton and Tottenham Hotspur last Monday.

Everton trio Abdoulaye Doucoure, Amadou Onana and Idrissa Gueye broke their fast in the 26th minute of the 1-1 draw.

The BBC reported there are 253 Muslim players in the first teams and academies of the top four levels of the English game and they must combine training and matches with the obligations of the Muslim holy month.

Ramadan starts about 10 days earlier every year, meaning it will coincide with football season for the next few years.

Everton’s Abdoulaye Doucoure (stood up) and Idrissa Gueye (kneeling) eat and drink on board as they break their Ramadan fast during a game with Tottenham Hotspur

Doucoure has spoken about this before and told the BBC: ‘I always love Ramadan. Sometimes playing football was difficult because Ramadan fell in the summer and pre-season.

“But I’ve always been lucky enough to practice Ramadan and there have never been any problems with my physical condition – I’m thankful for that.

“My religion is the most important thing in my life – I put my religion first, then my work. You can do both together and I’m happy about that.

“You get so much free time that I can always go to the mosque to pray and enjoy my religion when I’m at home.”