West Ham United boss Avram Grant is confident his players accept his decision to miss today's game with Stoke City due to Yom Kippur.
Grant, who has suffered a nightmare in the Upton Park hotseat, admitted his decision to miss the game has generally been positive.
He said: "I spoke to a few of the players about the situation and they know. They respect the tradition and said 'if you stay away we will do our job.'
"I really like the reaction of the players I spoke with, the owners, the board and many, many supporters. I have had a lot of emails and it is touching.
"All my life I have respected others and it is good it is happening the other way - including Alan, the club chaplain.
"I heard about a few fans being unhappy but it's normal, some of the people don't understand it."
