Iran’s players remain silent during the national anthem – sport.ORF.at

Iran’s national team players did not sing the national anthem in the opening match of the World Cup against England. Iranian activists see this as a gesture of support for the nationwide protests in the country. They were hoping for a statement of solidarity from the players before the game on Monday.

Iranian state radio interrupted the live broadcast of the national anthem. Players can now face the consequences. There has been speculation in Iran that they might be banned if they remain silent at the national anthem.

Today, Sunday, the Iranian captain, Ehsan Hajsafi, expressed his condolences to the families of the victims in Iran. The team has to accept that conditions in the country are not good and people are not happy. The players are aware of this. According to estimates by human rights activists, at least 360 people have been killed in the nationwide protests in Iran.

Iranian striker Mehdi Tarami said before the tournament that the Qatari national team did not want to be affected by the protests at home. “We have other responsibilities towards Iranian society, but here our focus is on football,” he said.

Fans also show support

A few Iranian fans have also expressed solidarity with the protests in their home country. Prior to the match against England, fans were seen wearing Iranian T-shirts and the slogan “Women, Life, Freedom”. A fan who traveled from Iran and did not want to be named said that the Iranian government killed women and children. Protests deserve support.