French goalkeeper Anthony Lopes drew widespread attention after an incident during FC Nantes’ Ligue 1 match against Le Havre AC, where he appeared to use a stoppage in play to allow his Muslim teammates to break their Ramadan fast.

 

The moment came in the 74th minute of Nantes’ crucial 2-0 home victory on Sunday. Video footage shared widely on social media shows Lopes collapsing to the ground while the ball was out of play, seemingly clutching his left hamstring.

 

 

As medical staff came onto the pitch to check on the 35-year-old former Portugal international, several Nantes players moved towards the touchline and quickly consumed dates and water. 

 

It is worth noting that French football authorities do not allow official breaks for religious observance, making such moments rare during matches.

 

Lopes stayed on the turf for an extended period while receiving treatment, creating the opportunity for teammates to consume dates and water at the touchline. 

 

He then stood up slowly, further extending the pause before play resumed.

 

The incident took place after the ball went out for a throw-in near the halfway line, with no contact involved in Lopes’ fall. 

 

Under football regulations, outfield players who receive medical treatment must usually leave the pitch so the game can continue. Goalkeepers, however, are exempt from this requirement, allowing play to stop while they are treated.

 

Nantes’ win carried major importance in the relegation battle in Ligue 1. The club sit 17th in the 18-team table, level on points with 16th-placed Auxerre but inside the relegation zone due to an inferior goal difference. 

 

The bottom two teams face automatic relegation at the end of the season.