Leeds have condemned the "unexpected and disappointing" booing from fans during a scheduled pause for players to break their Ramadan fast in last weekend's defeat to Man City - but set out a number of "mitigating circumstances" in their defence.
Despite messages appearing on the Elland Road big screen during the game with Manchester City confirming that the match was being paused to allow the players to break their fast, during the 78-second delay.
Another break will be held during Sunday's FA Cup tie with Norwich, with Leeds' Joel Piroe expected to participate.
The club has attempted to head off a repeat by calling on fans to "respect" those players breaking their fast, but in a lengthy statement - which did not include an explicit apology - listed four "mitigating circumstances" surrounding the original incident.
The four mitigations cited were:
Leeds concluded their statement by saying: "Football still has a long way to go in eradicating stains on the game, including racism, homophobia, tragedy chanting and the sickening Jimmy Saville taunts our own supporters are subjected to at every match from opposition fans. As a club, we will continue to work to ensure that in time, these issues cease to exist."
As part of Ramadan fasting, observers are obliged to avoid all food and drink (including water) from dawn until sunset.
