West Ham Women’s boss Konchesky would back pauses in WSL matches for players fasting during Ramadan
PAUL KONCHESKY would support halting evening games during Ramadan so the WSL’s Muslim players can break their fast.
The West Ham gaffer spoke out after Prem and EFL refs were asked to grant similar stoppages.
Ramadan began on Thursday and is one of the holiest months when Muslims abstain from eating and drinking in daylight hours.
Irons centreback Hawa Cissoko and Aston Villa’s Kenza Dali are among WSL players set to fast over the next month.
Konchesky, whose side play Manchester United this evening, said: “We must back these players.
“We need to have all their cylinders firing and if that means Hawa gets to break fast during a game and we have to stop for two or three minutes, so be it.
“Not just for Hawa but for every person that fasts during Ramadan in the WSL.”
Tonight’s game will see Konchesky in the Old Trafford away dugout as West Ham Women’s manager for the first time since his appointment last May.
And the match could see Irons stalwart Kate Longhurst equal Gilly Flaherty’s record of 177 WSL appearances.
Konchesky added: “That’s a massive thing for Kate. For any player that makes 177 appearances in WSL it’s a fantastic achievement.
“She has been an excellent servant for us and it would be nice for her to do that at a club she supports.”
Man United, who have lost just twice in the league this term, will host a West Ham side winless in five games since beating Tottenham away in December
However Marc Skinner is wary of the Irons potential to steal points on the road.
The Red Devils boss, 39, said: “They’ve not got the results they want, but I take that more as a warning than anything else.
They’re going to try and fight and will play with Paul’s energy and we have to be ready for that.”
Having lost 2-0 at home to United last September, Konchesky is expecting a tough challenge in this fixture.
The Irons boss said: “They are always going to be a big test. They’ve got some fantastic football players’.
“We know it’s going to be a tough test but it’s something we’re going to cherish and we’re looking forward to it.
“Hopefully we can be the ones who can upset them’.