Getty Image / Sebastian Frej
Civil unrest has been dominating day-to-day life in Iran. The Persian nation is engulfed with protests over the alleged treatment of Iranian women who went out in public without meeting modesty requirements . Protests have turned deadly. Some geopolitical analysts say that this is the most trouble the Iranian regime has faced in quite some time.
And, those protests snuck into Iran’s World Cup Opener against England. The playing and singing of the national anthem at World Cup games is known as a spiritual moment for those involved. Fans and players alike belt it out. But, that was not the case Monday morning.
Iranian players did not sing the anthem and fans booed
After a rousing rendition of England’s anthem, God Save The King, it was Iran’s turn. But, what happened shocked the world and could have political ramifications in Iran.
#BREAKING: Iran national team players choose not to sing national anthem at World Cup match; some of the Iranian crowed booing their own national anthem pic.twitter.com/RYPvgHMNUi
— Amichai Stein (@AmichaiStein1) November 21, 2022
Iran players didn’t sing a word of the anthem! Incredible start #ENG v #IRAN
Highly significant.— Omid Djalili (@omid9) November 21, 2022
In a World Cup where some storylines have revolved around protests, this was a true act of bravery by the Iranian players.
England will win but must admit I do have respect for the Iranian players who didn't sing their national anthem in protest. The Islamic regime in Iran will be very hostile towards those players. Far more courage than an armband or taking the knee.
— Chris Rose (@ArchRose90) November 21, 2022
It’s unclear if or what potential punishments for the players will be, but it’s certainly quite a statement they made on day two of the World Cup.
Iran lost to England, 6-2, and they played worse than the score suggests.