Iran‘s national soccer team did not song the country’s national anthem before their opener against England at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 on Monday (November 21) at Khalifa International Stadium in Doha, Qatar.
It is believed that the team did not sing the anthem as an act of protest against the death of Mahsa Amini back in September, a 22-year-old woman arrested for not wearing the state-mandated headdress, a hijab, for women.
Protests have continued to increase in Iran following her death, and it appears the national team is also joining in the effort.
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Iran’s team captain Ehsan Hajisafi also said in an interview that they took the side of the protestors in an interview, via Variety.
“We have to accept that the conditions in our country are not right and our people are not happy. We are here, but it does not mean that we should not be their voice or we should not respect them,” he said.
The Human Rights Activists organization says more than 400 protesters have been killed since the protests began, and more than 16,000 people arrested.
Iranian fans in attendance also showed their support with “Woman, Life, Freedom” on T-shirts and signs as well as chanting Mahsa Amini’s name.
More recently, Iranian actors Hengameh Ghaziani and Katayoun Riahi were arrested and imprisoned for appearing in public and on social media removing their headscarves in a protest against the young woman’s death.
Variety also notes that political watchers are wondering whether the team will return home, or whether they may ask for political asylum.
Several celebrities have also shown their support and cut their hair in protest.
