Iran’s players refused to sing their country’s national anthem ahead of their World Cup opener against England, seemingly in solidarity with anti-government protests back home.
Protests in Iran continue after the September death of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old who had been detained by the country’s morality police for failing to properly wear a hijab.
Reports have stated that hundreds of Iranians have been killed as the government has cracked down on demonstrations that have now been ongoing for two months.
In September, Iran star Sardar Azmoun said he stood with the protesters and even insisted he would be willing to risk banishment from the national team.
Speaking ahead of Monday’s game, Iran defender Ehsan Hajsafi expressed his solidarity with the protesters.
“They should know that we are with them. And we support them. And we sympathize with them regarding the conditions,” Hajsafi told a news conference.
“We have to accept the conditions in our country are not right and our people are not happy,” he added. “We are here, but it does not mean we should not be their voice or we should not respect them.”
On the FS1 broadcast, Ian Darke also reported that many Iran fans booed the anthem.
Watch Iran’s national anthem before England game
The Iran National Anthem plays for the first time at the 2022 FIFA World Cup 🇮🇷 pic.twitter.com/R5HAsuw5FQ
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) November 21, 2022
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