As a sign of protest: Iran’s players refused to sing the anthem

Observers took the players’ silence and the mines they walked on as a sign of support for the protests against the regime in their home country. (see video below)

The Iranian state broadcaster interrupted the live broadcast at the anthem. The players could now face consequences. There had been speculation in Iran that they might be banned if they remained silent at the anthem.

There were also isolated signs of solidarity among the Iranian fans. Before the match, supporters with Iranian jerseys and the slogan “Women, Life, Freedom” were seen at Khalifa International Stadium. The Iranian government killed women and children, said a fan who had traveled from Iran and declined to give his name. The protests deserved support.

On his Iran jersey he bore the name of former Bundesliga professional Ali Karimi. The 44-year-old had shown solidarity with the protests. Others did not want to comment. “No comment,” said a young fan when asked about the protests in Iran. He wore a Leverkusen shirt worn by Iranian striker Sardar Azmoun.

Iranian captain Ehsan Hajsafi on Sunday expressed his condolences to the grieving families of the victims in Iran. The team has to accept that the conditions in the country are not good and the people are not happy, he was quoted in the media as saying. The players are aware of that. Human rights activists estimate that more than 400 people have been killed in the nationwide protests in Iran.

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