Iran striker Mehdi Taremi stated the nationwide workforce have been underneath no strain after the gamers refused to sing the nationwide anthem of their first match on the World Cup in opposition to England.
The Iranian workforce’s determination to not sing the anthem on Monday in an obvious present of assist for protesters again hand-crafted headlines world wide.
The gamers stood in silence because the anthem performed on the Khalifa International Stadium as their followers shouted and made thumbs-down gestures.
Iran has been rocked by over two months of protests sparked by the loss of life of a younger lady within the custody of the nation’s morality police, in one of many greatest challenges to the nation’s clerical leaders for the reason that 1979 Islamic Revolution.
Iranian state tv lower away from its reside broadcast of the match because the gamers lined up earlier than the sport for the anthem.
“I said before that I will not answer such questions, but I will answer this time,” Taremi advised a information convention on Thursday, the eve of their second match in opposition to Wales.
“We are not under pressure. In a football tournament, football journalists must be respected and everything that has nothing to do with football must be left aside.”
The information convention lasted simply over half-hour, with questions on soccer taking on underneath a 3rd of the time, and reporters have been requested by the media supervisor to avoid wasting their remaining questions on the scenario in Iran after the match.
Iran coach Carlos Queiroz stated the media had the appropriate to ask questions on the politics surrounding video games.
“Is it fair to continue to ask political questions? It is the freedom of the press and it is our right not to answer and to respect and understand our position,” the Portuguese stated.
“Others should respect 3,000 years of (Iranian) history, culture, history, and science. Iranians are educated and humble and love what other citizens around the world like.”
The 69-year-old coach stated it was unfair for the media to ask gamers questions on human rights.
“It’s strange that you don’t ask these questions to other coaches and players, some of them do not talk about such matters in their countries,” Queiroz stated.
“Let the players play football like other teams, the players are not the enemies of the fans.”
Queiroz stated goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand would miss the Wales recreation after sustaining a head damage through the 6-2 defeat by England, however would return for Iran’s closing group recreation in opposition to the United States.
“We’re excited to face Wales who are back after a 64-year absence. The Red Wall (Wales fans) create a great atmosphere. The match against England was the best training to face Wales,” Queiroz stated.
“I’m confident the team will regain its personality and winning mentality and prove we deserve to win.”
