There are increasing encroachments of Islamic culture into modern British life—not as an expression of tolerance, but rather an expression of dominance.

Who had football clubs promoting Islam and celebrating Ramadan on their bingo card for 2026? Not me, but then maybe I am out of touch. I was astonished when I heard of Leeds fans booing during a match against Manchester City at Elland Road, when there was a Ramadan break for Muslim players who were breaking their fast. And then I went down the rabbit hole and discovered an amazing amount of Islamic activity focused on football clubs – and most of the clubs encouraging this. I guess it shows that they are multicultural, that they care, and that they are on the right side of history.

Just a few examples:

Falkirk FC tweeted: “Falkirk Football Club was delighted to host an Iftar event in the YES Hire Fanzone on Sunday evening, which was the first event of its kind to be held at The Falkirk Stadium. Members of the local community attended the stadium to break their fast as part of a gathering organised by the Scottish Asian Business Network, supported by the club’s event team and Falkirk FC Club Chaplain, Gregor McKay.As a fan-owned club, we place great importance on building relationships with everyone in our local area.”

There was an Iftar in Man United’s stadium, while Tottenham, a club normally associated with Jews, held a Ramadan call to prayer in their stadium.

In 2021, Brentford FC signed the Muslim Athlete Charter developed by Muslim organisation, Nujum Sports, to provide appropriate spaces for prayer, halal food, non-consumption of alcohol, support to Muslim staff, allow fasting during Ramadan, permit attendance at midday Friday prayers, allow Muslim players to be given space to express their views on their faith without judgement etc. Wolves, Watford, Aston Villa and Burnley have also signed it.

Isn’t this a good thing? Shouldn’t Christians welcome such religious commitment? Shouldn’t we show tolerance and accept diversity? Surely the only reason anyone would oppose this is because they are an Islamophobic, racist bigot on the ‘wrong side of history’? Dare to question, or refuse to condemn, the Leeds supporters and that is immediately how you are labelled.

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