Bundesliga referee stops play as Mainz player ends his Ramadan fast after sunset

Bundesliga referee stops play as Mainz player ends his Ramadan fast after sunset

A Bundesliga clash between Augsburg and Mainz 05 was recently halted to allow Moussa Niakhate to break his fast for Ramadan - a first in the history of the competition.

Mainz defender Niakhate, 26, is observing fasts during the holy month like Muslims across the world. Most notably, Karim Benzema fasted all day before scoring his incredible hat-trick against Chelsea in the Champions League.

In the 65th minute of the Bundesliga game, referee Matthias Jollenbeck temporarily halted play to allow Niakhate to rush to the sidelines and break his fast.

The defender chugged two bottles - one of water and the other presumably a sports drink - before sprinting back on field and resuming play.

Although the game ended 2-1 in Augsburg's favour, the gesture received praise from several fans. Take a look at the wholesome moment below -

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