Iranian players refused to sing their national anthem before their opening World Cup match against England.
Supporters and players staged their protest against the government on football’s biggest stage.
The Iranian players remained silent as their anthem was played at the Khalifa International Stadium, while supporters from the nation erupted in jeers, leaving some fans in tears.
Really powerful moment as Iran players do not sing their national anthem, with it backtracked by audible boos and jeers from their fans.
— Colin Millar (@Millar_Colin) November 21, 2022
Chants of “Say her name, Mahsa Amini” spread throughout the stadium, while t-shirts and banners read “Woman, Life, Freedom”.
The Middle Eastern country has been rocked by months of nationwide protests following the death of 22-year-old woman Mahsa Amini while in police custody.
Amini dies three days after she was allegedly arrested for violating the Islamic Republic’s dress code for women, which includes wearing a mandatory headscarf.
The players were eventually praised online for their courage in taking a stand and standing with demonstrators against the Iranian regime.
Iran coach Carlos Queiroz urged fans to back off, insisting that no matter what the players did, they would be crucified.
Whoa! Iran’s team refuses to sing their national anthem in protest against the Islamic regime at the #FIFAWorldCup
Even some Iranian members of the crowd booed at their own anthem.
Courage 👏
— Monica Verma (@TrulyMonica) November 21, 2022
Loud whistling from Iran fans for their own national anthem, many of whom are protesting against their regime pic.twitter.com/nk65KVW00U
— Sean Ingle (@seaningle) November 21, 2022