Iranian fans BOO their own anthem ahead of World Cup match with England in solidarity with protesters at home as players refuse to sing
- The Iranian team refused to sing their anthem before the first game against England
- Audible boos and boos were also heard from the crowd as the melody played
- Fans were seen waving banners in the stands supporting protesters at home
- Iran is plagued by more than two months of protests against the regime
Iran’s players refused to sing the national anthem as boos rang out from the stands ahead of their Qatar World Cup opener against England today.
Iran’s national team appeared unmoved as the anthem was played at Khalifa International Stadium on Monday, in an apparent show of solidarity with the protests currently engulfing the country.
Meanwhile, audible boos and jeers were heard from supporters in the crowd, who were also seen waving banners supporting the protesters.
Iranian players refused to sing the national anthem as they lined up ahead of their first World Cup game in Qatar against England today
The player stood stone-faced as the anthem played, while boos and boos could be heard from the crowd behind them at Khalifa International Stadium
Iran has been wracked by more than two months of anti-regime protests sparked by the death of Mahsa Amini, who died in police custody after being arrested for failing to wear the compulsory hijab.
Since then, near-daily marches have taken place demanding an end to the country’s strict interpretation of Islamic laws and the overthrow of the mullahs’ regime.
News outside the country is limited due to widespread internet blackouts, but hundreds, if not thousands, of protesters are thought to have been killed by security forces in an increasingly violent crackdown .
Iran’s national team has shown support for the protesters in recent weeks, with captain Ehsan Hajsafi saying “our people are not happy” at a pre-match press conference.
