Muslim soccer player thanks opponent for allowing him to break Ramadan fast in-game

Muslim soccer player Wesley Fofana thanked the Premier League and the Crystal Palace FC soccer team for allowing him to break his Ramadan fast during a game on Monday. 

Halfway through Leicester's 2-1 win, Crystal Palace FC goalkeeper waited to take a goal kick to allow Fofana to ingest some liquids before returning to play. The short in-game delay was agreed upon in the captain's meeting prior to the game. 

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting, prayer, reflection and community. During Ramadan many Muslims abstain from food and drink in the daylight hours. At the time of Fofana's water break it was transitioning to nighttime hours. 

Fofana tweeted: "Just wanted to thank the @premierleague as well as @CPFC @vguaita13 all the Foxes for allowing me to break my fast tonight in the middle of the game. That's what makes football wonderful."

Fofana was able to play the entire game after previously playing 61 minutes in a 3-0 win over West Bromwich Albion — all while fasting. 

"He's a young player in the middle of Ramadan so he's obviously not eating during the day," Leicester coach Brendan Rodgers told reporters Friday. "I think it's absolutely remarkable."