Some Iranian soccer fans are using the FIFAWorldCup stage to support anti-government protesters
Loud jeers were heard from Iranian supporters as the anthem played, with the team singing quietly before going on to win 2-0, prompting euphoric celebrations outside the stadium where government supporters tried to drown out chants by its opponents after the game.
Iranian authorities have responded with deadly force to suppress the protests calling for the downfall of the Islamic Republic, one of the boldest challenges to Iran's clerical rulers since the 1979 Islamic revolution.A few wore T-shirts commemorating Amini, who was arrested for allegedly flouting Iran's strict dress codes, or held banners declaring "Women, Life, Freedom".
Team Melli, as the soccer team is known, have traditionally been a huge source of national pride in Iran, but they have found themselves caught up in politics in the World Cup run-up, with anticipation over whether they would use soccer's showpiece event as a platform to get behind the protesters.Ahead of the match, a man wearing a jersey declaring "Women, Life, Freedom"Reuters could not immediately confirm why the man was being accompanied by three security officers in blue.
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Iran players remain silent during national anthem at World Cup in apparent protest of Iranian regimeProtests, chaos and violence have rocked Iran in recent months and threatened the very nature of the country's regime, which has been in power for more than 40 years.
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Iran players remain silent during national anthem at World Cup in apparent protest of Iranian regimeProtests, chaos and violence have rocked Iran in recent months and threatened the very nature of the country's regime, which has been in power for more than 40 years.
Read more »
Iran players remain silent during national anthem at World Cup in apparent protest of Iranian regimeProtests, chaos and violence have rocked Iran in recent months and threatened the very nature of the country's regime, which has been in power for more than 40 years.
Read more »
Iran players remain silent during national anthem at World Cup in apparent protest of Iranian regimeProtests, chaos and violence have rocked Iran in recent months and threatened the very nature of the country's regime, which has been in power for more than 40 years.
Read more »
Iran players remain silent during national anthem at World Cup in apparent protest of Iranian regimeProtests, chaos and violence have rocked Iran in recent months and threatened the very nature of the country's regime, which has been in power for more than 40 years.
Read more »
Iran players remain silent during national anthem at World Cup in apparent protest of Iranian regimeProtests, chaos and violence have rocked Iran in recent months and threatened the very nature of the country's regime, which has been in power for more than 40 years.
Read more »