On March 15, 2025, during the Ligue 1 match between Angers and Monaco, which ended with Monaco winning 2-0, the game was interrupted at the 13th minute for medical reasons. This stoppage allowed several Muslim players to briefly break their Ramadan fast, leading to significant criticism from politicians and debate about religious neutrality in sports.
The incident has attracted the ire of right-wing figures, particularly Deputy Laurent Wauquiez, who described the situation as "unacceptable". He voiced his concerns on March 17, stating the interruption, particularly at the behest of players fasting for Ramadan, violated the principles of secularism and neutrality expected within French football.
During the match, Angers player Himad Abdelli was injured on the field, prompting referee Willy Delajod to halt the game. This pause allowed teammates Zinedine Ferhat, Yassin Belkhdim, and Carlens Arcus, along with Monaco’s Al-Musrati, to consume water and food. They took advantage of this break to replenish their energy, which King Abdelaziz may have been taking care of.
The French Football Federation (FFF) later clarified to the media, including AFP, stating any interpretations of the pause as religious observance were incorrect. According to the FFF, the stoppage was standard protocol due to the injury, and not because of Ramadan practices. A spokesman confirmed, "The players took advantage of the pause due to a player's injury to eat," reinforcing the notion there is no allowance for breaks for religious reasons during matches.
Political reactions to the event have been swift, with multiple right-wing representatives, including François-Xavier Bellamy and Matthias Renault, condemning the match details. Renault publicly objected via social media, linking the interruption to perceived violations of French laïcité, stating, "This decision violates the principle of neutrality and secularism on the football field."
Critics argue such instances raise significant issues about the increasing visibility of religious practices in public sectors, particularly sports, which are seen as secular institutions. This match marked the first time such religious acknowledgment was perceived to have disrupted the flow of professional play, igniting debates about accommodating players versus upholding national principles of secularism.
The FFF constantly reiterates its stance on secularism, emphasizing annually during the league season how interruptions for religious reasons are strictly prohibited, unlike what might be observed in leagues such as UEFA or the English Premier League, where such accommodations might be more common.
Despite the uproar, the sentiment among many spectators remains indifferent or supportive of the players’ actions, emphasizing the humanity of sportsmanship and the need for inclusivity. "It’s just about making sure everyone feels comfortable and accepted during these times," noted one fan who preferred to remain anonymous, summing up the matter simply.
Overall, the Angers versus Monaco incident symbolizes the modern tensions between sporting conduct, cultural practices, and political discourse, raising questions about how the realms of religion and sport will interact moving forward. Such discussions are expected to shape future policies within French football as society continues to grapple with these multifaceted identities.
The match itself did not only serve as the battleground for sport but also as the epicenter for political commentary and the discourse surrounding religious expression within French public life.
