Boro player in fasting pledge

MEROUANE Zemmama has told Tony Mowbray he does not think he can play the full 90 minutes of Middlesbrough's Championship opener against Portsmouth this afternoon because he is fasting for Ramadan. Zemmama, who has been the most impressive performer throughout Boro's pre-season programme, is a devout Sunni Muslim. The laws of Ramadan, a month-long religious festival that started on Monday, demand fasting during daylight hours, so the 27-year-old is neither eating nor drinking between 3am and 9pm. As a result, he is worried he may be unable to play the whole of today's opening Championship fixture at the Riverside, and has discussed his fears with Boro boss Mowbray. "I have spoken with the manager about the situation and he understands where I am coming from very well," said Zemmama. "It will be difficult for me to play for a full 90 minutes. "Maybe because of Ramadan, I will have to start among the substitutes and come on for the last half-an-hour or so to try to help the team. "The three homes games in August will all be a problem, but the manager knows that and is happy."

Source: Northern_Echo