Iran Players Booed and Jeered by Own Supporters While Singing National Anthem Ahead of Wales Clash

• Iran players were booed by supporters as they sang the national anthem before their World Cup fixture with Wales on Friday, November 25
• The Iran players sang their national anthem after refusing to do so in their first game against England, in protest against their government
• Civil unrest has continued in Iran after the death of Mahsa Amini which sparked protests against the government by irate citizens

The Iranian national team felt the wrath of their supporters, after they decided not to protest against their government by singing the country’s national anthem versus Wales.

Prior to their World Cup group opener against England on Monday, the Persian Stars stood in silence as their anthem was played, in protest against the country’s government regime.

According to Metro UK, the Iran squad sang along ahead of kick-off against Wales, with a large number fans in attendance heard booing and whistling amid protest events taking place back at home.

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After Mahsa Amini's death, which spurred anti-government riots and resulted in hundreds of deaths and thousands of incarcerations, civil instability has persisted in Iran.

On Friday morning, supporters were spotted wearing Iran shirts with Amini's name printed on the back, and waving the country's flag along with the slogan 'Women Life Freedom'.

Iran players bow to pressure

Meanwhile, the Iranian players are said to have backtracked on the protest before the kick-off against Wales, after coming under pressure from politicians back home, Daily Express reports.

Earlier this week, chairman of Tehran city council Mehdi Chamran said the government would never allow anyone to insult the country's anthem and flag, in what is deemed a subtle threat to Team Melli.

The Iranian national team had previously drawn criticism from those protesting, for bowing in front of President Ebrahim Raisi before heading off to Qatar.

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Iran arrests ex-international footballer

Earlier, Sports Brief reported on Iran arresting a former international footballer of Kurdish origin, who has strongly supported the protests that have rocked the country since September.

Voria Ghafouri, an outspoken figure who appeared 28 times for Iran up until 2019, was arrested after a club training session over accusations that he spread 'propaganda' against the Islamic republic.

He is one of the most prominent figures arrested in a widescale crackdown on protests, amid intense scrutiny on the conduct of the national team at the World Cup in Qatar.