Iran players refuse to sing national anthem

Iran players did not sing their country's national anthem as a protest against the repression in their country and against Mahsa Amini's death.

The players and fans' protests are directed at the Iranian regime in response to Amini's murder, the 22 year old who was arrested and abused by police in September after not respecting Iranian dress code by not wearing her veil correctly.

Her murder, together with the violence she was subject to as well as the government's lies, has sparked anger amongst the population for the abuse women are victims of. This revolution has also got through to the football team, the best platform for the Iranian population to show their discontent with the regime.

Carlos Quieroz claimed that his players "were free" to protest if they wanted, and that is what they did before the referee blew his whistle to start the game. While the players were not singing, the Iranian fans applauded and whistled their players.