In a notable incident during a Ligue 1 match between Nantes and Le Havre, Nantes goalkeeper Anthony Lopes faked a muscle injury to create an informal pause for five of his Muslim teammates to break their Ramadan fast. This occurred in a match where the official regulations do not permit pauses for religious practices, drawing attention to the intersection of professional sports and cultural observances.

The incident took place at the 74th minute of the game, which Nantes ultimately won 2-0. As the sun was setting in accordance with the end of the Ramadan day's fast, Lopes fell to the ground holding his left thigh, signaling for medical assistance. Although the action might have been seen as controversial, it demonstrated Lopes' awareness and support for his teammates' religious practices in an environment where such support is not officially recognized by leagues like France's Ligue 1.

This gesture sparked discussions on sports and religion, especially in a country with a significant Muslim population yet where religious observances are not integrated into the sports schedule. Lopes’ actions not only benefited his teammates during an important religious period but also highlighted the need for more inclusive policies within professional sports regarding religious practices, particularly in multicultural contexts like France.