Iran striker Mehdi Taremi mentioned the nationwide staff had been beneath no stress after the gamers refused to sing the nationwide anthem of their first match on the World Cup in opposition to England.
The Iranian staff’s determination to not sing the anthem on Monday in an obvious present of help for protesters again handmade headlines world wide.
The gamers stood in silence because the anthem performed on the Khalifa Worldwide Stadium as their followers shouted and made thumbs-down gestures.
Iran has been rocked by over two months of protests sparked by the demise of a younger girl within the custody of the nation’s morality police, in one of many largest challenges to the nation’s clerical leaders because the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
Iranian state tv minimize away from its stay broadcast of the match because the gamers lined up earlier than the sport for the anthem.
“I mentioned earlier than that I can’t reply such questions, however I’ll reply this time,” Taremi instructed a information convention on Thursday, the eve of their second match in opposition to Wales.
“We aren’t beneath stress. In a soccer match, soccer journalists have to be revered and every little thing that has nothing to do with soccer have to be left apart.”
The information convention lasted simply over half-hour, with questions on soccer taking over beneath a 3rd of the time, and reporters had been requested by the media supervisor to save lots of their remaining questions on the scenario in Iran after the match.
Iran coach Carlos Queiroz mentioned the media had the best to ask questions on the politics surrounding video games.
“Is it honest to proceed to ask political questions? It’s the freedom of the press and it’s our proper to not reply and to respect and perceive our place,” the Portuguese mentioned.
“Others ought to respect 3,000 years of (Iranian) historical past, tradition, historical past, and science. Iranians are educated and humble and love what different residents world wide like.”
The 69-year-old coach mentioned it was unfair for the media to ask gamers questions on human rights.
“It’s unusual that you just don’t ask these inquiries to different coaches and gamers, a few of them don’t speak about such issues of their international locations,” Queiroz mentioned.
“Let the gamers play soccer like different groups, the gamers should not the enemies of the followers.”
Queiroz mentioned goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand would miss the Wales sport after sustaining a head harm in the course of the 6-2 defeat by England, however would return for Iran’s ultimate group sport in opposition to the US.
“We’re excited to face Wales who’re again after a 64-year absence. The Crimson Wall (Wales followers) create an awesome environment. The match in opposition to England was the perfect coaching to face Wales,” Queiroz mentioned.
“I’m assured the staff will regain its character and profitable mentality and show we should win.”