FIFA World Cup 2022: Iranian team stays silent during national anthem to support protests at home

New Delhi: On the second day of the FIFA World Cup in Qatar, the Iranian national team, before facing England, decided not to sing their national anthem as a sign of protest against their regime and in condolence with the protesters. As ‘Sorude Melliye Jomhuriye Eslamiye Iran’ played at the Khalifa stadium, Iran’s national football team stood in silence. Their silence was strong enough to make a statement in support of women back in Iran facing the undemocratic rulers.

Meanwhile, there were some Iranian fans who booed in the stadium while others came in support. Some fans stood in the stadium holding placards asking for freedom for women. Iranian defender Ehsan Hajsafi paid condolences to protesters and families mourning in the country and their coach Carlos Queiroz said that he is proud of the team for taking a stand.

The protests in Iran began when Mahsa Amini died in custody after she was arrested in September for “breaching the dress code” for women in the country. A massive protest erupted where women demanded freedom of choice when it comes to the dress code. Many women across the world cut their hair as a sign of resistance towards the Iranian regime and men dictating women.

England being the favourites in the game started well. Jude Bellingham scored the first goal for the English team star player Bukayo Saka quickly joined the list. Following great passing, Raheem Sterling scored for England in the first minute of the extra time in the first half. Saka extended the lead with another goal as England led 4-0. Mehdi Taremi scored the first one for Iran, but it was too late as England had a strong hold over the match. Two more goals for England as their tally went up to six. Taremi scored another consolation goal off a penalty and England took the victory with a 6-2 scoreline.