Iran gamers posing for a photograph forward of Wales match© AFP
Iran’s crew sang their nationwide anthem earlier than Friday’s World Cup match in opposition to Wales, having opted not to take action of their match opener in opposition to England. The Iranian gamers had stood impassively throughout their anthem earlier than their 6-2 defeat to the Three Lions on Monday in an obvious gesture of solidarity with anti-government protesters within the Islamic republic. The gesture from Iran created loads of buzz on social media and their ahead Mehdi Taremi confirmed on Thursday that his crew had not come “underneath strain” from their authorities over the on-field act. Nevertheless, on Friday, the crew determined in opposition to persevering with what they did in opposition to England a number of days in the past.
The Iranians had stood impassively throughout their anthem earlier than their 6-2 defeat to England on Monday in an obvious gesture of solidarity with anti-government protesters within the Islamic republic.
Iran has been rocked by demonstrations triggered by the demise of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini after she was arrested in September for an alleged breach of the nation’s strict costume guidelines for ladies based mostly on Islamic sharia regulation.
“I do not like to speak about political points however we’re not underneath any strain,” Taremi mentioned at a press convention forward of Iran’s second Group B match in opposition to Wales on Friday.
“I knew that this type of query was going to be requested however no matter I say, it will not matter as a result of some folks will write no matter they need to write,” he added.
“So I choose to solely speak about political points in non-public or alone social media.”
Taremi, who scored each of Iran’s objectives within the heavy defeat to England, mentioned: “We got here to play soccer, not simply us however the entire gamers right here in Qatar. Myself and 1000’s of individuals like me have the ability to alter issues.”
After the sport in opposition to Wales, one of many Iran gamers is predicted to make clear the matter.
With AFP inputs
Featured Video Of The Day
India To Qatar: Sportswear From Tamil Nadu Makes Its Approach To FIFA World Cup
Subjects talked about on this article