World Cup: Iran Coach Fiercely Hits out At Claims His Team Worked Referee in Wales Win

• Jurgen Klinsmann is currently embroiled in a spat with Iran fans and manager Carlos Queiroz
• Klinsmann risked the wrath of Iranians by claiming it is 'in their culture' to work the referee
• Iran secured a 2-0 win over Wales, but the Welshmen ended the game with just 10 men
• Klinsmann said the game would have gone much differently under a different referee

Former USA national team coach Jurgen Klinsmann has come under intense criticism, particularly from Iranian fans, after his recent sentiments about the Iran players.

Klinsmann recently took aim at Team Melli’s tactics, following the nation’s 2-0 win over Wales in their World Cup Group B encounter.

The 1990 World Cup winner claimed Iran players and coaches constantly being in the referee’s ear throughout the game, was a deliberate strategy to make Wales lose their focus.

“Constantly in their ears, constantly in your face on the field... this is their culture,” he said via the BBC. “They make you lose their focus, make you lose your concentration and what’s really important to you.”

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Iran outraged at Klinsmann's comments

These remarks sparked outrage from the Iranian football federation and coach Carlos Queiroz, who slammed the German in a series of tweets.

“Even not knowing me personally, you question my character with a typical prejudiced judgment of superiority,” the Iran coach said on Twitter.

Quieroz said that while he respected Klinsmann's achievements on the football pitch, his remarks about Iranian culture and the country's national team were 'a disgrace to football'.

“Nobody can hurt our integrity if it is not at our level, of course,” the veteran former Portugal coach added.

Klinsmann’s responds to criticism

Fox Sports reports that Klinsmann, who must have surely noted the fire that came from his comments, went on to issue a rejoinder and said his remarks might have been taken out of context.

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He added his wish to speak to the Iran boss to iron things out.

As a manager, Klinsmann guided the US to the knockout stages in the 2014 World Cup, but was sacked in 2016 after failing to qualify for the 2018 edition of the tournament, after losses to Mexico and Costa Rica.